The case against two men accused of killing Nadine Terblanche and her son, Ruandré Vorster, resumed at the Palmridge Magistrate’s Court on February 4.
The court postponed the matter on January 20, because of Frederick ‘Freddie’ Stapelberg’s claim of depression.
Pardon Danhire (accused one) and Stapelberg (accused two) face charges that include premeditated murder, murder, and attempted murder.
Danhire faces two counts of premeditated murder and Stapelberg four counts, including two of attempted murder and two of premeditated murder.
Stapelberg’s lawyer asked on January 20 for a month’s postponement, claiming his client had depression stemming from the murders of his former girlfriend (Nadine) and stepson (Ruandré).
The magistrate denied a month’s postponement but instead granted a two-week postponement to seek medical documents proving he has depression.
At the February 4 hearing, State advocate Riana Williams handed the court documents from the correctional facility, indicating Stapelberg is under the medical supervision of prison officials.
However, there is no evidence to prove that Stapelberg cannot stand trial for the alleged crimes. His lawyer has neither brought an application that speaks to the claim that his client has depression and is unfit for trial.
Danhire has not met his lawyer to give instructions. It is unclear why, but his lawyer told the court every time he goes to the prison where Danhire is held, he never gets a hold of his client. According to the lawyer, when Danhire’s name gets called out, he never appears.
The presiding judge asked Danhire what cell number he was being kept, to which Danhire answered.
Danhire’s lawyer said he would only need a day to consult with his client and receive instructions. He requested a postponement.
An interpreter for Danhire, a Zimbabwean national, translated what was being said and agreed to by all parties involved in the case.
Danhire confirmed he understood what was being said and agreed upon.
Possible section 105A (plea agreement) in the case
Danhire will probably enter into a section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act, known as a plea and sentence agreement.
This means he may enter into an agreement of a guilty plea on offences or charges. The court will impose a just sentence if convicted of the offences/charges to which he agreed to plead guilty.
Plea agreements usually speedily conclude cases and save resources for the State. Danhire’s plea will only be confirmed at the next court appearance.
Nadine’s mother in court
Sitting in the public gallery and watching the proceedings in court, was Carol Terblanche, mother to Nadine and grandmother to Ruandré.
When the Alberton Record asked her to comment, she said: “I am satisfied with how the case has been going so far, and I was pleased to hear Danhire will probably enter into a plea agreement with the State.”
The presiding magistrate, State prosecutor, and defence lawyers for both Danhire and Stapelberg agreed to a postponement of the matter to February 18.
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