The pre-trial hearing for double-murder accused Pardon Danhire (accused 1) and Frederick ‘Freddie’ Stapelberg (accused 2) has been concluded after the duo made their latest appearance in the Johannesburg High Court on Wednesday.

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 murders

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 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 sharp force of trauma to the head, while Vorster’s injuries were consistent with suffocation.

In court

Danhire previously expressed his decision not to apply for bail, while all of Stapelberg’s bail bids have failed.

During their recent appearance, the presiding judge set the trial date for January 20, 2025, at the Palmridge Magistrate’s Court.

Danhire and Stafelberg remain in custody.