Algoa FM news file photo
The Gqeberha businessman accused of plotting the murder of his estranged wife Vicki will spend Christmas behind bars.
Fifty-five-year-old Arnold Terblanche has been in custody for 35 days and is in a desperate plea for bail to look after his 12-year-old son.
On Tuesday, a social worker, who was tasked with furnishing the court with a report on what would be in the child's best interest, testified on possible scenarios in the event Terblanche was denied bail.
Magistrate Kriban Pillay ordered that her testimony be held "in camera" due to the sensitive nature of the report which deals with a minor child.
During proceedings, the social worker was grilled by defence attorney Danie Gouws, who appeared notably frustrated with the witness at times and to the point where he had to reassure her that he was not attacking her.
Terblanche, who was in the dock with his two co-accused, Dylan Cullis and Reinhardt Leach, became visibly emotional when Gouws mentioned the child's name and how he had an emotional bond with his father.
He covered his eyes and cried softly, with his broad shoulders shivering slightly as he tried to compose himself.
Leach, a former teacher and boyfriend of the victim, listened attentively to the evidence, often turning to see if his father was still in the public gallery.
Terblanche's girlfriend Krystal Wiggill, who has been present at all of his court appearances, became visibly agitated when her name was mentioned in the report, mumbling under her breath to contradict what the social worker was saying.
Most of Tuesday's legal argument centred on the fact that the social worker's report contained information from the child's private psychologist, Rose Gowar, who had provided clarity on some aspects of her investigation.
Gouws wanted to delve into certain points raised by Gowar, who has had several sessions with the boy since 2019.
Magistrate Pillay, however, said he was satisfied with the social worker's report and that it was already allocated an exhibit number and entered as evidence.
State Advocate Marius Stander agreed and said that without Gowar being present he would not be able to take the matter further.
The bail hearing was adjourned to 20 January 2022 when Gowar will take the stand.
All three accused will remain in custody.
Terblanche, Leach (32) and Cullis (24) are all being charged with conspiracy to commit murder and murder.
Leach and Cullis face additional charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, defeating the ends of Justice as well as possession of drugs.
The 42-year-old Vicki Terblanche's body was found in a shallow grave in Greenbushes less than 48-hours after Leach had reported her as missing.
According to the State, she was given a Schedule 6 drug before she was smothered by a pillow.
For more background on the State's case, click here: Shocking details in plot to murder Vicki
