Arnold Terblanche, who is accused of orchestrating the murder of his estranged wife Vicki, appeared in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The public gallery of the court was completely full of Arnold’s friends and family members and included his 26-year-old girlfriend, Krystal Wiggill.
Judge denies bail due to Arnold’s interference with witnesses
During Magistrate Kriban Pillay’s judgement, he said that, should Arnold be granted bail, he would not hesitate to interfere with witnesses.
Pillay then referred to previous instances in the case where Arnold blackmailed a family member to say that Vicki “introduced him to drugs”, and when he told another family member to convince Vicki to “settle their divorce”.
Magistrate Pillay also added that the state has a strong “prima facie case” against Arnold and he finds a “likelihood” that if Arnold had the chance, he would evade his trial if released on bail.
The initial affidavit was referred to
The lengthy judgement also referred to the first affidavit Arnold brought forth in the bail application. Here, he stated that, should he remain in custody, it would have “severe financial implications” on his former company.
Arnold Terblanche is the former director of Proac Engineering in Gqeberha, but now he works as a consultant at the company.
The affidavit also claimed that he was the only caretaker for him and Vicki’s 12-year-old son due to his physiological needs and concerns.
Arnold Terblanche’s judgement
Magistrate Pillay ruled that the State alleges that Vicki Terblanche’s murder was premeditated.
Arnold is charged with “murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and defeating the ends of justice”.
Vicki’s family now has a sense of closure since her body was found in a shallow grave in Greenbushes in October 2021. It is alleged that she was given a Schedule 6 drug and then suffocated with a pillow.
Arnold Terblanche did not apply for leave to appeal the judgement, and the case was postponed until 28 March for further investigation.