State seeks to introduce digital, financial evidence in Freddie Stapelberg murder trial

The murder trial of Freddie Stapelberg returned to the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, October 27, with the state bringing three applications to introduce additional evidence relating to the November 2023 murders of Nadine Terblanche and her son, Ruandré Vorster.

The proceedings focused largely on digital forensic evidence, insurance policies and financial records, as well as documentation relating to the seizure of a Ford Ranger.

Only one of the state’s intended witnesses was initially scheduled to testify in person, while the court read affidavits from other witnesses into the record.

Digital forensic evidence

Lieutenant Colonel Coetzee, a digital forensic investigator, testified about the examination of electronic devices seized during the investigation.

She told the court that she received three sealed forensic bags containing laptops and mobile phones on March 6, 2024. The seals were intact, with no signs of tampering.

The devices included two laptops, two Apple iPhones, a Samsung cellphone and a Hisense cellphone.

Coetzee explained how forensic images were created to preserve the original information and ensure that the evidence was not altered.

She described how specialised software and hash values verified the integrity of the extracted data. The investigation involved retrieving emails, WhatsApp messages, photographs, call logs, contacts and browsing history.

She also explained that some information could not be extracted automatically because of software limitations. In certain instances, she accessed the devices manually and photographed the relevant information.

An email relating to a document titled ‘My Last Will and Testament’, dated December 14, 2023, was among the information requested by investigators. However, investigators could not retrieve the complete email from the laptop because the relevant email application was not installed.

Insurance records and payments

The state also sought to introduce financial and insurance records through affidavits from investigators associated with Hollard, First National Bank (FNB) and Nedbank.

The records outlined several insurance policies linked to the deceased and Stapelberg, including beneficiary changes and claims submitted following the deaths—an affidavit by a Hollard investigator detailed funeral cover linked to Stapelberg’s employment.

According to the affidavit, a R20 000 funeral benefit was paid to Stapelberg on December 13, 2023, following the death of his life partner. A separate claim relating to the deceased child was placed on hold.

An affidavit by an FNB fraud investigation specialist revealed that a claim of R154 350 was paid into Stapelberg’s FNB account following Nadine Terblanche’s death.

The records also referred to other policies, including one whose claim remained on hold pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

Nedbank records further showed that a R30 000 funeral claim relating to Nadine Terblanche was approved and paid into the nominated account on December 7, 2023.

The State argued that the financial documents were ordinary business records and should be admitted under the relevant provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act.

Another application concerned evidence relating to a Ford Ranger allegedly seized during Stapelberg’s arrest by the late Warrant Officer Frederick Brandt.

The state relied on an SAP 299 form, reportedly signed by Stapelberg, to support the documentation concerning the vehicle’s seizure and subsequent handover to Nadine’s mother. The defence did not object to admitting this evidence.

Investigation and further proceedings

The proceedings also touched on evidence from investigating officer Sergeant Moloto concerning the investigation into the murders.

According to the account presented, Pardon Danhire implicated Stapelberg as an alleged accomplice. However, investigators did not immediately arrest Stapelberg because they initially lacked corroborating evidence.

The defence then requested additional time to prepare for cross-examination, and the matter resumed on November 2. The matter was postponed to November 6 for further proceedings.

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