Cape Town – A key witness in the murder trial of Vikita Blanch testified that her then-boyfriend, Rard Leash, killed her under orders from her estranged husband, Arnold Blanch. The witness, Callis, provided disturbing details during cross-examination, alleging a murder-for-hire plot motivated by financial gain.
On October 18, 2021, 42-year-old mother Vicki Terblanche was murdered in Gqeberha, South Africa. Her body was found days later after she had been reported missing by one of the accused. Investigations confirmed that she had been drugged and then suffocated.
Four individuals were implicated in the murder:
- Reinhardt Leach (36): Vicki’s boyfriend, pleaded guilty to murder, conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and obstruction of justice in the Eastern Cape High Court on January 27, 2025.
- Dylan Cullis (23): An accomplice who pleaded guilty in 2023. He was sentenced to 18 years for murder, 10 years for robbery, and 5 years for obstruction of justice, running concurrently. He also agreed to testify against his co-accused.
- Arnold Terblanche (55): Vicki’s estranged husband, allegedly offered Leach money to murder her. He remains out on R1 million bail and pleaded not guilty. His attorney will seek trial separation, arguing that Leach’s guilty plea confirms his version of events.
- Mario De Ridder: Present at the crime scene, now a state witness.
Murder Plot Unfolded
Callis told the court that Arnold Blanch ordered Leash to kill Vikita Blanch because she was set to receive a R5 million divorce settlement. According to Callis, the plan was to stage her death as a drug overdose, as she allegedly used drugs regularly.
Failed Overdose Attempt
During his testimony, Callis said Leash initially attempted to kill Vikita by dragging her before trying to make it appear like an overdose. However, when she did not die, Leash smothered her with a pillow. Callis claimed he tried to save her by warning her about the plot and taking her to a separate room to prevent her from choking on her vomit.
Final Moments and Disposal
Callis testified that Leash discovered Vikita was still alive and decided to finish the job. “He smothered her with a pillow until she died,” Callis told the court. Following the murder, her body was buried in a shallow grave to conceal the crime.
Trial Continues
The court adjourned after the testimony, with proceedings set to resume on Friday. Prosecutors aim to establish the full extent of Arnold Blanch’s involvement and whether additional suspects played a role in the killing.
The shocking revelations have sparked widespread attention, as the case highlights yet another tragic instance of gender-based violence and financial greed. Authorities have vowed to pursue justice for Vikita Blanch.
See also: Mpumalanga Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Murder of Sex Worker
