Eduan Terblanche, aged 53, a suspect implicated in the alleged murder of his partner, Stacey van Heerden, 49, was discovered deceased inside a police transport vehicle on Monday, 9 June 2025. The incident transpired during Terblanche’s transfer from the Mooi River Magistrate’s Court to holding cells in Pietermaritzburg, shortly after his bail application was adjourned. He had been scheduled for a subsequent court appearance on Tuesday, 11 June 2025.
Authorities in Mooi River have now initiated an inquest to ascertain the precise cause and contributing factors of Terblanche’s death.
Discussing the matter, and without using Terblanche’s name, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, confirmed the incident, stating, “Police are investigating an incident where an inmate, who was being transported from court to the police station, was found dead inside a police van upon arrival at the station on Monday.” The colonel further affirmed that the circumstances potentially leading to the death are undergoing a thorough investigation.
Looking at why Terblanche was in custody, he faced charges of murder and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.
These charges stemmed from the discovery of van Heerden’s body at the Gleneagles Hotel on 28 May 2025.
According to the charge sheet, van Heerden was allegedly killed by Terblanche, who subsequently reportedly set fire to the hotel room with her still inside. Eyewitness accounts indicate Terblanche was still in the room when firefighters arrived, who then breached the door to extract him. Warrant Officer Pancheal Singh, Pietermaritzburg police spokesperson, confirmed an ongoing murder investigation. Warrant Officer Singh further noted that Ms van Heerden was allegedly subjected to assault and strangulation, reportedly exhibiting bruises on her neck and body.
As police officials now investigate the matter, gender-based violence (GBV) once again comes under intense scrutiny, with the Portfolio Committee on Police expressing disillusionment that despite ongoing discussions, tangible action to combat GBV remains elusive. According to the committee, the apparent inability and unwillingness to implement strategies are evidenced by continued non-compliance with the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act.
“Despite the commitment made to the committee in a meeting held on 30 October 2024, there remains a substantial number of administrative and operational non-compliances at police station level. The direct consequence of the non-compliance is that the lives of the victims are endangered,” told Ian Cameron, the Chairperson of the committee.
Furthermore, the committee highlighted that of the 243 police stations visited, 60 non-compliance incidents were reported, including failures to properly record reported incidents, which are essential for court proceedings should the need arise. Such records are critical to securing effective convictions for GBV crimes, and these gaps need to be eliminated.
Moreover, the committee expressed concern that some police stations still lack Victim-Friendly Rooms (VFRs), which provide a safe and discreet environment for victims to report crimes. The SAPS reported that 95 stations lack designated VFRs, contributing to victims’ reluctance to report cases and perpetuating GBV.
The tragic deaths of Stacey van Heerden and Eduan Terblanche underscore the urgent need for systemic reform in addressing gender-based violence and ensuring accountability within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
This incident highlights the persistent challenges faced by victims and the critical gaps in police processes that hinder effective justice delivery. The Portfolio Committee’s proposed solutions offer a promising framework, but their success hinges on swift and resolute implementation to prevent further loss of life and to restore public confidence.
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