Their relationship started amid a haze of drug and alcohol abuse, and ultimately, Vicki Terblanche’s boyfriend took advantage of her vulnerabilities to end her life.
In a tell-all statement handed to the Gqeberha high court on Monday, Reinhardt Leach painted a picture of how the Bay mom had spiralled out of control in the weeks leading up to her murder.
Some mornings, during the early hours, he would awake to her packing and repacking her kitchen cupboards, too hyped up to sleep.
Leach made the shocking revelations when he surprised even his co-accused seated next to him in the dock as he turned the tables to replace years of denial with a full confession.
“She lost her job because she was too lazy to work and took long to complete a simple task,” he said.
“It appeared as if her drug use was affecting her ability to work.
“I admit that I used drugs recreationally but I never lost control of myself or used drugs to the extent that I would be unable to do work productively.
“She never wanted to leave the house. She even made me do the grocery shopping alone.
“She either sat on the couch or stayed in bed all day.
“She would repack the kitchen cupboards in the early morning hours when she couldn’t sleep.
“She used drugs in the house and [her son] witnessed this on many occasions.”
But, at some stage, he said he loved Vicki and wanted to protect her from what she had described as her controlling, narcissistic estranged husband, Arnold Terblanche.
Leach said he also wanted to use the opportunity to apologise to Vicki’s family, particularly her young son, of whom he had become very fond.
“I am very sorry for the pain and trauma I have caused him.
“I further wish to apologise to my own parents who, despite my horrendous actions, which I deeply regret, have shown me grace and support.”
The Herald
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.