The long-awaited double murder trial of Frederick ‘Freddie’ Stapelberg was expected to begin at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, sitting as part of the Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa, on Friday, July 24.

However, the matter was postponed after Stapelberg’s legal representative failed to appear in court.

The case has now been postponed and is expected to continue today, July 27.

The trial was expected to mark a significant step forward after months of delays caused by psychiatric evaluation proceedings, giving the Terblanche family renewed hope that the matter would finally be heard.

Stapelberg faces two counts of premeditated murder and two counts of attempted murder relating to the November 2023 deaths of Alberton mother Nadine Terblanche and her son, Ruandré Vorster.

His co-accused, Pardon Danhire, was sentenced last year after pleading guilty to his role in the murders.

Danhire admitted to carrying out the killings after allegedly being promised payment by Stapelberg. He is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence and has since become a State witness.

The trial is expected to focus on the circumstances surrounding the killings, with Danhire’s testimony expected to form an important part of the State’s case when proceedings begin.

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