The man accused of killing Bay mother Vicki Terblanche brought his first bail application in the Gqeberha High Court after spending 2 years and 8 months behind bars.
Reinhardt Leach through his legal representative advocate Jodene Koertzen said her client could afford bail of R10 000 and would not be a flight risk.
She further stated that he would not interfere with state witnesses and would comply with strict bail conditions.
State Prosecutor Marius Stander did not mince his words when he opposed the bail application of Leach, unpacking the serious charges faced by the accused that could earn him a life sentence in prison.
It is also the first time Leach gave his version of events as stated in a lengthy email in his affidavit dated 1 February 2023.
It is well documented that Terblanche and Leach met at a bar in Greenbushes on 12 October 2021, where according to Terblanche, they discussed the well-being of his minor son.
The State, however, said it was then when Leach switched his allegiance to Terblanche.
Prosecutor Marius Stander says during this meeting Leach agreed to assist in ensuring that Vicki tested positive for drugs after which Terblanche promised to arrange alternative accommodation for Leach.
According to Leach's affidavit, Arnold spoke at length about his history with Vicki and by the end of the meeting, he was convinced that Arnold would be a much better parent for the child.
Leach further stated that Vicki wanted everything on a silver platter and was at that stage not fit to be a mother due to her drug use.
The State argues that Terblanche offered to get accommodation for Leach after the murder. Still, according to Leach, he was not sure that his relationship with Vicki would last after which Terblanche offered to help him with accommodation.
Leach said during the meeting he told Arnold that Vicki asked him to have him killed.
"I told him to be careful and watch his back.
"He was shocked.
"I asked him to help me with petrol money. He opened his wallet and removed all the cash that was inside, it was almost R2 000.
"As we exited the Chelsea Bar, on our way to go to our car he stopped me and said the money I just gave you, its small change, nothing compared to what I will give you if you would help me get rid of Vicki.
"I just looked at him saying that I told you about what she planned and my answer to you previously was that I did not do it to you because I felt that no child should grow up without parents"
State Prosecutor Marius Stander insisted that Leach had nothing, no job, no transport and was someone who left his career as a teacher to join the "Commercial market" which was nothing more than the underworld where he transported and assisted in housing abalone divers.
Stander said the animosity between Leach and Terblanche was palpable. Leach states in his affidavit that within 2-3 weeks after he started dating Vicki, Terblanche had a private investigator follow him 24/7.
Leach said the PI was tasked to dig into his past and get dirt on him, even phoning his former fiancé who eventually warned him to be careful as someone was on his tail.
Stander said Leach showed no exceptional circumstances to be released on bail as his character has shown his ability to destroy evidence and conceal the truth.
The State said it has evidence of a discussion between Terblanche and Leach dated 14 October 2022 where they discussed in detail how to hide their conversations by using sim cards that were not Rica'd.
He asked the Judge not to rely on Leach's promises if granted bail and to not make the same mistake Vicki did as Leach claimed to love her while planning to kill her.
The Judge will deliver his judgment on the 4th of July.
Vicki's body was found in a shallow grave in Greenbushes on the outskirts of Gqeberha, just days before her 43rd birthday.
To follow all the details of the trial catch up on the Algoa FM Exclusive Podcast Series: Journey to Justice
A new episode of Journey to Justice will drop next week and will delve into Leach's detailed affidavit.
