The emotional fallout from the Joshlin Smith case has deepened, as prominent anti-gender-based violence activist June Dolley-Major has publicly called for prison time for Lourentia “Renz” Lombaard — the key state witness who helped secure convictions but was granted immunity from prosecution.
Lombaard, who was arrested in March 2024 alongside Joshlin’s mother Racquel “Kelly” Smith, Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn, turned Section 204 state witness, receiving full indemnity after testifying in the Western Cape High Court.
Judge Nathan Erasmus, who presided over the case, ruled on August 13, 2025, that Lombaard had provided “honest and frank” testimony and therefore met the legal requirements for immunity under South African law. Her testimony, including damning claims that Kelly Smith sold her daughter for R20,000 to a sangoma, was pivotal in securing life sentences for the three co-accused, who were found guilty of kidnapping and human trafficking.
However, outside court, Dolley-Major voiced strong objections to the outcome, saying that anyone involved in a crime against a child should face some form of punishment, even if they later cooperated with authorities.
“Lots of emotions are going on right now,” she said. “I understand why she’s indemnified… but my concern is Joshlin. Any crime involving a child should serve some kind of time.”
Her comments have ignited a heated public debate over the ethics of granting immunity to alleged accomplices in serious crimes, especially those involving children. Critics argue that Lombaard, even if not the main perpetrator, had knowledge and involvement in the events leading to Joshlin’s disappearance.
In response, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) defended the decision. Spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila stated:
“We believe she testified frankly and honestly, which is a requirement of the Act. She did not try to take herself out of the crime but told the court what happened and the role she played.”
Lombaard remains in witness protection and will not be prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the defense has indicated plans to appeal the convictions at the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein.
Joshlin’s paternal grandmother, Lauretta Yon, expressed relief at the outcome, saying:
“She [Lombaard] spoke the truth.”
Tragically, Joshlin Smith remains missing, with no trace found since her disappearance from Saldanha Bay on February 19, 2024. While justice appears to be taking its course in the courtroom, the haunting question remains: Where is Joshlin?
