KEY POINTS
- Pardon Danhire was sentenced to 25 years for the murders of Nadine Terblanche and her son Ruandre Vorster.
- Danhire confessed to being hired by Stapelberg for R100,000 to kill Terblanche.
- The NPA has vowed to pursue justice in Stapelberg’s trial.
The Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday sentenced 37-year-old gardener Pardon Danhire to 25 years imprisonment for the murders of Nadine Terblanche and her son Ruandre Vorster in Alberton in November 2023.
Danhire, who entered into a plea and sentencing agreement with the state, will serve his sentences concurrently.
The court also suspended five years of his sentence on the condition that he testifies truthfully against his co-accused, Frederick Stapelberg, whose trial is set to begin on March 25.
“The court deviated from imposing the minimum prescribed sentence of life imprisonment, citing that Danhire co-operated with the state and took responsibility for his actions, thereby showing remorse,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
The decision to reduce the sentence has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning whether justice was fully served for the victims.
A gruesome plot by Stapelberg and Danhire unveiled
The court heard that Danhire, who had been employed as a gardener by Stapelberg, was allegedly contracted by his employer to carry out the murders in exchange for R100,000.
Stapelberg, who was in a relationship with Terblanche, reportedly wanted her killed to gain access to her assets.
Danhire confessed to the crime and implicated Stapelberg as the mastermind behind the plot.
“The lifeless bodies were discovered by a local security company on November 27, 2023, after they were summoned to the scene through a panic button that was allegedly pressed by Stapelberg, following an alleged physical altercation with Danhire about the money he was promised after killing the deceased,” Mjonondwane revealed.
The details of the case have left the Alberton community in shock, with many calling for stricter measures to combat gender-based violence and crimes against children.
The NPA has emphasized its commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.
“The NPA frowns upon the senseless killing of women and children, and will now focus on the trial against Stapelberg with the aim of ensuring that justice prevails,” Mjonondwane stated.
The upcoming trial of Stapelberg is expected to shed further light on the motives and circumstances surrounding the murders, as well as the extent of his involvement.
