State has ‘prima facie case against Arnold Terblanche’ – magistrate
Bail has been denied to 55-year-old Arnold Terblanche, who is accused of orchestrating the murder of his estranged wife Vicki.
The businessman, who is the former director of Proac Engineering in Gqeberha, appeared at the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court where judgment was handed down on Friday.
The public gallery was jam-packed with Arnold's friends and family members, including his 26-year-old girlfriend, Krystal Wiggill.
Magistrate Kriban Pillay, during his judgment, said there was a likelihood that Arnold, if granted bail, would not hesitate to interfere with witnesses.
He referred to two previous instances where Arnold coerced a family member to say that Vicki introduced him to drugs, while he told another, to convince Vicki to settle their divorce.
Magistrate Pillay also said the state has a strong prima facie case against him and he finds a likelihood that Arnold will evade his trial if released on bail.
ALSO READ: Disciplinary action against 4 cops on duty at Parliament on night of fire
Pillay's lengthy judgment also referred to Arnold's initial affidavit brought forth in the bail application, where he stated that remaining in custody would have severe financial implications on his former company where he now worked as a consultant.
Arnold's affidavit also said that he was the only caretaker for his 12-year-old son with Vicki's as there were concerns about his physiological needs.
Magistrate Pillay, however, added that the State alleges that Vicki's murder was premeditated, making it more likely that he would flee.
Arnold is charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and defeating the ends of justice.
His co-accused, 32-year-old former primary school teacher and Vicki's boyfriend Reinhardt Leach, and a third accused 24-year-old Dylan Cullis, previously abandoned their bail applications.
Vicki's body was found in a shallow grave in Greenbushes in October last year, less than 24 hours after Leach reported her missing.
It is the state's case that Vicki was given a Schedule 6 drug before she was suffocated with a pillow and her body buried.
Arnold did not apply for leave to appeal the judgment.
The case was postponed until 28 March for further investigation.
