Warning: This article contains graphic details of violence that some readers may find distressing.

The double-murder trial of Frederick ‘Freddie’ Stapelberg returned to the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (September 9), following the deaths of Nadine Terblanche and her nine-year-old son, Ruandré Vorster, in November 2023, reports Alberton Record.

Stapelberg is facing two counts of premeditated murder and two counts of attempted murder. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. At the time of her death, Terblanche was in a romantic relationship with Stapelberg, and they lived in Randhart, Alberton.

State witness details attack

Pardon Danhire, a former gardener for the couple, testified about both killings, which he claimed were carried out at the request of Stapelberg.

Danhire pleaded guilty to the killings, leading to his conviction and a 25-year sentence for each murder, running concurrently.

@albertonrecord

Pardon Danhire told the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court he killed Nadine Terblanche and her nine-year-old son, Ruandré Vorster, allegedly at Frederick ‘Freddie’ Stapelberg’s request. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za

♬ Vault of Ash – Half Moon Turner

Five years of the sentence were suspended on the condition that he provides truthful testimony against his then co-accused, Stapelberg.

Danhire has turned state witness.

“When I got to her bedroom, I struck her on the left side of the head with an axe. She started shaking and convulsing, and I saw blood flowing from her head. After that, I removed the axe from her head and went to the kitchen sink and washed it,” said Danhire.

Terblanche is understood to have been sleeping during the attack. She had earlier gone into the house for a nap after swimming and left her son playing outside.

Details of child’s death

Danhire told the court that he lured Ruandré into the house under the guise of wanting to show him something before attacking him.

@albertonrecord

Pardon Danhire, a former gardener for the couple, testified about both killings, which he claimed were carried out at the request of Stapelberg. Danhire pleaded guilty to the killings, leading to his conviction and a 25-year sentence for each murder, running concurrently. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za

♬ original sound – Alberton Record

“I lifted him up and put him on the bed, and then I pushed him, took the pillow, covered his face and pressed him with the pillow until I saw that he was dead,” said Danhire.

Danhire told the court that Stapelberg promised him R100 000 and an additional R7 600. He testified that the R100 000 was for the killings, while Stapelberg owed him the remaining R7 600.

The defence for Stapelberg is set to cross-examine Danhire.

The trial continues today (September 11), with Stapelberg remaining in custody.

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