Boyfriend Sentenced for Murder
14 MARCH 2025
Boyfriend Sentenced for Murder
The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Gqeberha, has sentenced Reinhardt Leach (35), to an effective 25 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to multiple charges relating to the murder of his girlfriend Vicki Terblanche (46), whose body was found buried in a shallow grave in Greenbushes. Leach was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, defeating the ends of justice, and possession of drugs.
The murder occurred in October 2021 as part of a financially motivated plot. Leach, who had been romantically involved with Vicki, conspired with her estranged husband, Arnoldus Terblanche (54), who is also a co-accused in the case. Vicki, amid her divorce, had been seeking R35 000 per month in maintenance and a significant financial settlement. Leach, involved in criminal activities like abalone poaching and drug use, saw Vicki's death as a way to gain access to her assets.
In his guilty plea, Leach revealed that he and Arnoldus discussed their plan to kill Vicki on 12 October 2021. Leach was to make it appear as though Vicki had died from a drug overdose to avoid suspicion and to help Arnoldus gain custody of their child. On 18 October 2021, Leach and accomplices drugged Vicki by mixing a large quantity of “perkies” with a fizzy drink. Afterward, Leach suffocated her with a pillow, leading to her death. The crime scene was staged to resemble a drug overdose, with drugs and crushed pills placed around the location to support the false narrative.
Following the murder, Leach and his accomplices stole several of Vicki's personal belongings, selling them to fund Leach’s drug and alcohol habits. On 19 October 2021, they transported her body in a car and considered various disposal methods, including setting it alight or burying it. After consulting Arnoldus, who refused to help, they buried the body in a shallow grave in Greenbushes, Gqeberha. Leach also falsely reported Vicki’s disappearance to the police on 21 October 2021, claiming she had gone missing after they had slept together. The crime was uncovered after an investigation by the South African Police Service led to the discovery of Vicki’s body on 23 October 2021. The investigation revealed she had been murdered, leading to Leach’s arrest.
Senior State Advocate Marius Stander argued for a substantial sentence, emphasising the premeditated nature of the crime and Leach’s efforts to mislead authorities. The prosecution highlighted the robbery, use of drugs, and Leach’s disregard for the victim’s life. Arnoldus Terblanche will be prosecuted separately for his involvement in the conspiracy.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence, stating it reinforced the justice system's commitment to ensuring accountability for committing crime. This prosecution will now focus on ensuring that it proves its case beyond a reasonable doubt when the mastermind, Arnoldus Terblanche, returns to court for trial on 07 October 2025.
Issued by:
Luxolo Tyali
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Eastern Cape Division
Tel: 047 501 2630
Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za