The bail hearing of a father accused of plotting the murder of his estranged wife was postponed in the Port Elizabeth magistrates court until Tuesday.
Fifty-five-year-old Arnold Terblanche and his two co- accused made a brief appearance in court on Monday where discussions revolved around a report from a social worker pertaining to his minor child.
The 12-year-old boy currently has no legal guardian and the court insisted on a report to look into his best interest going forward.
Defence attorney Danie Gouws raised concerns that the social worker appointed to the case submitted a report from a private Psychologist, and if it were to become evidence in court it would reveal sensitive information about the child.
He said the social worker indicated that she wanted to proceed with the investigation to obtain adequate information to approach the Children's Court for a decision on his care and protection.
Gouws said although the interest of the child was paramount as per Section 28.2 of the Children's Act, his client's bail application was urgent.
Several references were made about the report where it alluded that four recommendations were made as to who could look after the child in the event that the Court does not grant Terblanche bail.
Gouws wanted Magistrate Kriban Pillay to order that the psychologist attend court, but Pillay asked, "since the applicant was paying, how can that be objective? In his reply Gouws said it "would be the court's witness."
Magistrate Pillay insisted on sticking with the social worker's report adding that the court "will take it from there." The social worker will now read the report into the record on Tuesday, which will allow the defence to cross-examine the state witness.
Terblanche and his co-accused Reinhardt Leach (32) and Dylan 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.
42-year-old Vicki Terblanche's body was found in a shallow grave in Greenbushes less than 48-hours after her boyfriend, Leach had reported her as missing.
According to the State, Vicki was given a Schedule 6 drug before being smothered by a pillow.
