Reinhardt Leach, found guilty of killing Vicki Terblanche, has penned a heartfelt letter to Terblanche's son for the pain he caused the teenager.
On Wednesday, the Eastern Cape High Court, found Leach guilty on charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
He had previously pleaded guilty to charges of drug possession, conspiracy to commit murder and obstruction of justice.
In his letter, he apologised to Terblanche's son for the pain he caused him. He said he was "deeply ashamed" that he failed to protect the boy.
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Leach also apologised to his own parents, adding that they raised him to know right from wrong. His wish was for his parents to forgive him.
He is expected to be sentenced on Thursday.
Terblanche's murder
In October 2021, Terblanche's body was found dumped in a shallow grave in Greenbushes. Court proceedings revealed that the Gqeberha mother had been fed copious amounts of drugs, a spiked drink and later suffocated with a pillow. Her body was then bundled into a vehicle and dumped.
Leach reported her missing however, days later he and a co-accused were arrested and charged. The co-accused, Dylan Cullis turned state witness. He has been sentenced for his role in the crime.
Ex-husband's involvement
At the time of his arrest, Leach claimed that Terblanche's ex-husband, Arnold Terblanche, conspired with him to kill the 41-year-old woman. Leach alleged that he discussed Terblanche's initial plans to hire hitmen to kill Arnold, with Arnold, and the pair decided to kill her instead. He claimed that Terblanche wanted to gain, financially, from Arnold's death.
Arnold was also arrested and granted bail of R1 million in February 2023. He is expected back in court in October this year. Arnold pleaded not guilty to the charges.