Stapelberg double-murder trial postponed after prosecutor falls ill
Frederick Stapelberg, accused of murdering Nadine Terblanche and her nine-year-old son in November 2023, remains in custody after the case was postponed at Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
The double-murder trial of Frederick Stapelberg returned to the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, following the previous hearing where Pardon Danhire concluded his testimony and cross-examination.
However, the matter did not proceed as scheduled after the state prosecutor was off sick. The case was postponed to tomorrow for further hearing. Stapelberg remains in custody.
Standing trial
Stapelberg is standing trial for the November 2023 murders of Nadine Terblanche and her nine-year-old son.
WATCH: Alberton double-murder trial: Defence accuses state witness of lying
He faces two counts of premeditated murder and two counts of attempted murder, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
At the time of her death, Terblanche was in a romantic relationship with Stapelberg, and the couple lived in Randhart, Alberton.
Danhire, a former gardener for the couple, testified about the killings, alleging that they were carried out at Stapelberg’s request.
Danhire pleaded guilty to the killings and was convicted and sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for each murder, with the sentences running concurrently.
Five years of his sentence were suspended on condition that he provide truthful testimony against his former co-accused.
The trial is expected to resume today and tomorrow for further proceedings at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
WATCH: Former Alberton gardener details gruesome murders he committed in Randhart
