Vicki Terblanche murder Trial: Leach sentenced to 25 years

After three and a half years in police custody, Reinhardt Leach’s fate was finally decided at the Gqeberha High Court on Friday, March 14.

The former Gqeberha school teacher has been sentenced to an effective 25 years in prison for his role in the murder of his girlfriend, Vicki Terblanche, in 2021.

Presiding Judge Samson Dunywa delivered the sentence, highlighting the alarming prevalence of femicide and gender-based violence in South Africa. These crimes, he noted, undermine the fundamental rights of women.

He said, “The Constitution values human life as precious, yet people place a price tag on it for financial gain.”

While acknowledging Leach’s remorse and guilty plea, Judge Dunywa agreed with both the defence and state that certain circumstances warranted deviation from the maximum sentence.

“Excessive judgement does not serve the purpose. It should be fair and balanced, blended with a measure of mercy,” he said.

Leach’s sentencing includes nine years for conspiracy to commit murder, 23 years for murder, 10 years for robbery, five years for illegal possession of a firearm, five months for ammunition possession, seven years for defeating the ends of justice, and 10 months each for two counts of drug possession.

Counts four to eight will run concurrently, alongside two years of the murder charge, resulting in a total effective sentence of 25 years.

Vicki Terblanche was killed on October 18, 2021, after being given an overdose of drugs, suffocated, and buried in a shallow grave. Co-accused, Dylan Cullis, has already taken a plea deal with the state and is serving an 18-year sentence.

Arnold Terblanche, Vicki’s estranged husband, is set to go on trial in October. The trials were separated after Leach admitted guilt to charges, including murder and conspiracy to commit murder, while Arnold Terblanche pleaded not guilty.

During the trial, 16 witnesses, including Cullis, detailed how Leach, Cullis, and De Ridder Jnr conspired to kill Vicki, rob her of her belongings, and dispose of her body. Evidence was pivotal in linking Leach’s actions to the crime, resulting in multiple convictions.

In court, Leach’s defence attorney, Advocate Jodine Coertzen, read a letter from Leach.

He apologised to Vicki’s family and his own, expressing deep remorse and acceptance of his actions’ consequences. Turning to faith during his incarceration, Leach expressed regret for not protecting Vicki and acknowledged the shame brought upon his family.

Leach’s admitted willingness to testify against the alleged mastermind, Arnold Terblanche, and De Ridder Jr’s status as a Section 204 witness, will be critical in the upcoming trial.