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The estranged husband of slain Gqeberha mother, Vicki Terblanche has argued that the psychological well-being of their 12-year-old son is one of the main reasons he should be granted bail.
The 55-year-old Arnold Terblanche, who is accused of being the mastermind behind his estranged wife's murder, made another appearance at the Port Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Monday where his bail hearing continued.
Arnold's defence, Senior Counsel (SC), Advocate Francois Van Zyl, responded to the state's heads of argument that was heard in court, last week.
Advocate Van Zyl said if granted bail, Arnold would not interfere with any witnesses and asked the court to consider the role he plays at ProAc Engineering where he works as a senior business consultant.
He also said Arnold, who can afford bail of R100 000, will adhere to any strict bail conditions, including reporting to the Mount Road Police Station regularly.
Most of the court proceedings, however, revolved around the well-being of the son he had with the deceased.
The 12-year-old has a medical condition known as Attention hyperactivity disorder (A.D.H.D).
Advocate Van Zyl (SC), said Arnold plays an important role in his child's life, even more so, now that his mother has died.
He said Senior State Prosecutor, Advocate Marius Stander at no point disputed the boy's mental condition and even referred to him as a special needs child.
He said this should be noted in considering bail for the applicant.
In response to this, Advocate Stander said the privilege pertaining to the child, rests with the accused, and not with the State to follow up on.
Magistrate Kriban Pillay, then highlighted that the court is obliged to refer a matter to a designated social worker if a child needs care and protection.
Pillay said the child, in this case, has no guardian, as his mother is "no more" and his father is in custody.
Since Vicki's murder in October, and Arnold's arrest last month, the boy has been in the care of Arnold's 26-year-old girlfriend Krystal Wiggill.
Both Arnold's son and Krystal's daughter attend Woodridge College, a private school on the outskirts of Gqeberha.
Wiggill, who is still legally married to her husband, currently lives with her mother and child in Terblanche's luxury home in Mill Park.
Magistrate Pillay ordered that a preliminary report from a social worker be made available.
This will pertain to who is most fit to be the boy's guardian.
Possible guardians as previously indicated on the state's opposing affidavit for the bail application, names Arnold's 33-year-old daughter Natalie Nel, and her husband Ruan, as possible candidates.
Vicki's relative known as Leonie Jordan is also named and also previously indicated that she would be able to look after him.
Arnold will now have to spend another two weeks behind bars before his bid for bail will continue.
The case was postponed until 20 December when the social worker's preliminary report is expected to be handed in.
