Arnold Terblanche and Reinhardt Leach will be tried separately for the murder of Terblanche’s ex-wife, Vicki Terblanche. Vicki was Leach’s girlfriend at the time of her murder in Gqeberha.
This decision follows yesterday’s plea by Leach, who admitted guilt to charges including murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Arnold Terblanche pleaded not guilty.
Despite Leach’s admission, the state did not accept his guilty plea for the murder, citing disagreements over the facts. However, Leach agreed to have his statement recorded as an admission of guilt.
Judge Samson Dunywa, presiding over the case in the Gqeberha High Court, addressed Counts 4 and 5 related to firearm possession, indicating that these charges can only be substantiated with a ballistic report. As such, the judge recorded a not-guilty plea from Leach pending further evidence.
During the proceedings, the defense for Terblanche requested a separation of trials, a move opposed by the state. The state argued that the evidence to be presented pertains to both accused, necessitating a joint trial.
However, Judge Dunywa ruled that since the accused were jointly charged, and given that Leach pleaded guilty while Terblanche maintained his innocence, their trials would indeed be separated.
In a display of familial support, Leach’s parents stood by their son during a break and embraced him.
The case has been postponed to tomorrow, Wednesday, January 29.
