The brother of Edwin Terblance (53), who is accused of murdering his girlfriend Stacey van Heerden (49) at the Gleneagles Hotel in Mooi River, KZN, says he rushed to the scene and tried to save them after learning there was smoke coming from the couple’s room.

Speaking to The Witness, the brother, who asked not to be named, said he was woken up early last Wednesday and was informed that there was a fire in Terblance’s room.

“I was informed there was smoke in his room and rushed to break the door down and tried to get him out.

“The firefighters arrived very quickly and managed to pull him out, and it was already a crime scene.

“It’s sad, but I don’t want to comment any further,” he said, adding that he preferred to wait for the courts to decide what happened.

Pietermaritzburg police spokesperson Warrant Officer Pancheal Singh confirmed that a case of murder is being investigated.

“It is alleged that she was assaulted and strangled to death,” said Singh, adding that Van Heerden was found with bruises on her neck and across her body.

Terblance made his first appearance in the Mooi River Magistrate’s Court last Friday and remains in custody.

He is expected to appear in court again on Friday.

Van Heerden’s family declined to comment on the matter when approached by The Witness.

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