Murdered Alberton mother and son: accused sent to different courts caused postponement
The pre-trial hearing was scheduled to be heard at the Johannesburg High court, however, one of the accused landed up at an incorrect court house and that led to a postponement.
The State’s case against Pardon Danhire (accused 1) and Frederick ‘Freddie’ Stapelberg (accused 2) was postponed to September 18.
Their pre-trial hearing was scheduled for September 6; however, Danhire did not arrive at court.
The postponement was caused by what seemed like a miscommunication between prison and prosecution officials.
Dabhire and Stapelberg were both expected to appear at the Johannesburg High Court, but only Stapelberg arrived. It is understood that Danhire was sent to the Palmridge Magistrate’s Court, where they both previously appeared when he was supposed to be at the Johannesburg High Court.
Danhire stands accused of two charges of premeditated murder, while Stapelberg faces four charges, including two of attempted murder and two of premeditated murder. The ongoing court case stems from the brutal murders of Nadine Terblanche and her nine-year-old son, Ruandré Vorster in Randhart, Alberton, last year.
The State alleges the incident unfolded on November 27, 2023, when Terblanche and her son fell victim to a gruesome attack. Terblanche was found strangled to death in her sleep, while Vorster, playing outside at the time, was later suffocated with a pillow upon being called to his room.
The cause of death for Terblanche was manual strangulation and a sharp force of trauma to the head, while Vorster’s injuries were consistent with suffocation.
Danhire has previously expressed his decision not to apply for bail, while all of Stapelberg’s bail bids have failed.
Danhire and Stapelberg remain in custody and will be back at the Johannesburg High Court for a pre-trial hearing set for September 18.
ALSO READ: Murdered Alberton mother and son: Alleged mastermind denied bail again
