More arrests could be "imminent" in the murder case of Gqeberha mother Vicki Terblanche, whose body was found in a shallow grave in the Greenbushes area almost a year ago.
Her estranged husband, Arnold Terblanche, has been named as the mastermind behind her killing, as the two were locked in a bitter divorce battle at the time of her death.
Two other people, including Vicki's boyfriend Reinardt Leach, and another man, Dyllan Cullis, were arrested in connection with the murder - but Cullis has indicated that he'll turn state's witness.
Both Cullis and Leach had abandoned their bids for bail.
Terblanche, however, is continuing his bid for freedom and has filed yet another application which he said is based on new facts.
The state's opposing affidavit against the alleged murderer's renewed bid for bail contains damning allegations about how far he'd go to be freed from prison.
Based on these claims, the state says he has demonstrated not only his ability but also his intention to obstruct and possibly derail the investigation.
"Most importantly [he would] interfere in the proper functioning of the legal system," the affidavit reads.
From allegedly paying a whistleblower more than half a million rand to try to influence who the judges would be who would hear his fresh bail application, to requesting that his co-accused be killed, the state added, "in view of the facts as stated to the Honourable Court there are no exceptional circumstances that warrant the release of the applicant on bail."
In its affidavit, the state is not ruling out the involvement of more role-players, noting, "it should be clear that the investigation of this conspiracy is in an early stage with more arrests imminent."
Arguments for and against Terblanche being granted bail are expected to be heard in the coming days.
