The double-murder trial of Frederick Stapelberg returned to the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on September 10, following the deaths of Nadine Terblanche and her nine-year-old son in November 2023.

Stapelberg faces 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.

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.

Five years of the sentence were suspended on condition that he provide truthful testimony against his former co-accused.

Bedroom attack detailed in court

Danhire turned state witness. The court heard that Terblanche was sleeping during the attack, having gone into the house for a nap after swimming and leaving her son playing outside.

“When I got to her bedroom, I struck her on the left side of the head with an axe,” Danhire said. “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.”

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

“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,” Danhire said.

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.

Defence accuses witness of acting alone

Stapelberg’s defence lawyer, Advocate Solly Tshivhase, slammed Danhire for not telling anyone that he was allegedly hired to kill.

“You just keep it to yourself, and want this honourable court just to believe you without any evidence,” Tshivhase said.

Tshivhase accused Danhire of being a liar and acting alone to commit both murders.

Before concluding his cross-examination, Tshivhase accused Danhire of having a criminal mind and not being a credible witness.

He said the fact that Danhire did not tell anyone of the murder plot should be viewed with suspicion by the court.

With Danhire’s testimony and cross-examination concluded, he was remanded to prison. Stapelberg will return to court for further trial on October 21 and remains in custody.

WATCH: Former Alberton gardener details gruesome murders he committed in Randhart