The trial of the men accused of plotting to kill Gqeberha mother Vicki Terblanche got off to a slow start on Monday, with delays, time spent in chambers, and an unexpected turn of events when one of the accused pleaded guilty.
The much-anticipated trial finally got underway more than three years after the murder of Vicki Terblanche.
Vicki's estranged husband, Arnold Terblanche, and her boyfriend at the time of her murder, Reinhardt Leach, are among the accused.
Vicki's body was found in a shallow grave in Greenbushes on the outskirts of Gqeberha in October 2021, just days before her 42nd birthday.
As proceedings got underway, State Prosecutor Marius Stander was ready for both men to enter their pleas of guilty or not guilty when Terblanche's defence, Peter Daubermann, first wanted to object.
He informed Acting Judge Samson Dunywa that Stander supplied him with five new affidavits, which were only given to him on Monday.
He argued that this could prejudice his client as Terblanche could be taken by surprise.
Daubermann put it on record that if something like this were to happen again, he would seek a trial within a trial on the admissibility of new information. He further warned Stander that if any witness testified beyond what had been written in their affidavits, they would need supplementary statements.
After no further objections, the state read out the charges against the accused, and while Terblanche pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him, Leach sang a different tune.
In a surprise turn of events, he pleaded guilty to all the charges against him, stating that Vicki was killed on Arnold's instructions, still pinning the murder on Dylan Cullis.
Cullis, who accused Leach of the murder, is already serving an 18 year sentence for his role in the crime.
He admitted to using different SIM cards to communicate with Terblanche and said that during their infamous meeting at the Chelsea Sports Bar, Arnold had asked him for help to permanently get rid of Vicki, illustrating with his hand to his throat.
Leach also said in his plea that Terblanche paid for the drugs he got in prison.
In response, State Advocate Marius Stander said he would need time to peruse Leach's plea as some aspects do not concur with their summary of substantial facts relating to some of the charges.
The matter was postponed to Tuesday for the state to consider whether or not they would accept the plea.
If they do, there could be a separation of trial, and if they don't, the matter will proceed.
The trial continues.
Listen to the first two seasons of the Algoa FM News Exclusive Podcast, Journey to Justice, to catch up on this case.
