Murdered Alberton mother and son: Freddie allegedly planned to pay gardener R100k

In the ongoing court case regarding the brutal murders of Nadine Terblanche and her nine-year-old son, Ruandré Vorster in Randhart last year, two suspects, Pardon Danhire (37) and Freddie Stapelberg (34), appeared for a formal bail application at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on February 7.

While Danhire expressed his decision not to apply for bail, Stapelberg proceeded with his application. Danhire faces two charges of premeditated murder, while Stapelberg faces four charges, including two of attempted murder and two of premeditated murder.

During the proceedings, the affidavits from both Stapelberg and the investigating officer were presented. Additionally, the court received a petition from the Kathorus Parliament group, advocating against Stapelberg’s release on bail.

The case has been remanded to March 6 for the final decision on the bail application.

Stapelberg’s affidavit

Stapelberg, the primary suspect in the murder case, has submitted a detailed affidavit proclaiming his innocence. He provided a narrative of the events leading up to the day of the murders.

In his sworn statement, Stapelberg asserted he is the primary provider for his three daughters and disclosed his struggles with depression and anxiety, exacerbated by his current incarceration without access to medication. He expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with authorities and even volunteered a bail amount of R10 000.

Detailing the events of the tragic day, Stapelberg recounted his shock upon discovering the bodies of Terblanche and Vorster in their home. He claimed to have found Terblanche wrapped in a sheet, still dressed in a black swimming costume, while Vorster lay covered on his bed. According to Stapelberg, he was confronted and attacked by Pardon Danhire, whom he accuses of framing him for the murders.

Despite facing serious charges, Stapelberg maintained his innocence and emphasized his efforts to assist the investigation.

Stapelberg’s affidavit also sheds light on his circumstances, revealing he is in the process of divorcing his unemployed wife, who he claims is unable to care for their children.

Investigation’s officers’ affidavit

According to the investigating officer’s testimony, read in court by the prosecutor, the events and investigation unfolded as follows:

The incident unfolded on November 27, 2023, in Randhart, where Terblanche and her son fell victim to a gruesome attack. Terblanche was found strangled to death in her sleep, while Vorster, who was playing outside at the time, was later suffocated with a pillow upon being called to his room. The cause of death for Terblanche was manual strangulation and sharp force trauma to the head while Vorster’s injuries were consistent with suffocation.

The couple also faced financial difficulties. At the beginning of November, Stapelberg spoke to Danhire about the plan to murder Terblanche and pay him R100 000 for it.

Danhire stole an axe from one of his employers before the murders. He then remained in the house waiting for Stapelberg to return from work to get his money. When Stapelberg arrived home, he told Danhire he would withdraw the money the following day. A feud ensued between them; it was then that Stapelberg pressed the panic button.

During the hearing, it was heard that Terblanche was in the process of selling her house and leaving Stapelberg and he was upset about it.

Stapelberg’s car tracker also shows that he arrived home on November 27 at 16:39 but only pressed the panic button 40 minutes later at 17:19, according to the security company’s report. In a statement from the security officer who responded, he overheard Stapelberg telling Danhire to leave it and that he would go and withdraw his money.

The affidavit also revealed a history of domestic violence at the couple’s residence, with a witness who saw Stapelberg’s abusive behaviour towards Terblanche.

The court also heard disturbing accounts of Stapelberg’s alleged previous attempt to murder Vorster with tainted eggs in June/July of 2023.

Vorster fell sick and complained about stomach pains after eating the eggs and the domestic worker took Vorster to bed. She then ate the eggs prepared by Stapelberg for Vorster and also fell ill after consuming the eggs.

Two weeks after the double homicide Terblanche’s broker received an email with a new last will from Terblanche’s Gmail account. Stapelberg was the only one in possession of the deceased’s laptop and the will. He is the only person to benefit from it.

Stapelberg assumed he would be the guardian of Terblanche’s minor daughter. In the original testament signed by Terblanche, Stapelberg was not mentioned anywhere. Stapelberg also took out multiple life insurance policies before the murder and in December he tried to send in claim forms for each of the deceased.

Support shown to friends and community

During the court appearance of suspects in the Terblanche and Vorster murder case, strong support was evident from friends and the community. Tears flowed as Vorster’s father and Terblanche’s mother, along with their loved ones, attended the proceedings, wearing shirts in memory of the victims.

Stapelberg’s father, visibly emotional, also wore a tribute shirt.

Members of the Kathorus Parliament stood in solidarity, demonstrating the community’s unwavering support for the grieving families. The group says no to the killing of women and children.