By Zinhle Cele

A Quiet Town Shaken by Unimaginable Tragedy

The quiet, rural town of Mooi River in KwaZulu-Natal is reeling after a tragic and deeply disturbing incident that has left two families devastated and a community in mourning.

On the morning of Sunday, 8 June 2025, smoke was seen billowing from Eduan’s room at the Gleneagles Hotel — the scene of what would soon be revealed as a suspected murder and suicide involving Eduan Terblanche (53) and Stacey van Heerden (49).

What began as a routine fire alert has spiraled into one of the most heart-wrenching cases this year.

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A Brother’s Desperate Attempt to Save a Life

Eduan’s brother, who lives nearby, was among the first on the scene after hearing that smoke was coming from the couple’s room.

“I got the call that there was smoke at the hotel. I rushed there and tried to get inside to save them. I didn’t know it was already too late,” he said, his voice heavy with grief.

It is alleged that Eduan killed Stacey in the room they shared, then attempted to destroy evidence by setting the room on fire. He was later found and taken to Estcourt Hospital for treatment, reportedly due to smoke inhalation.

From Accused to Deceased — A Case That Unfolded Too Fast

After fire investigators noticed inconsistencies at the scene, police began suspecting foul play by Eduan. On Monday, 9 June 2025, Terblanche was officially arrested in hospital and charged with murder and defeating the ends of justice through arson. He appeared in court that same day, and his bail application was set for Wednesday, 11 June 2025.

But before that day could come, tragedy struck again.

Upon arrival at the Pietermaritzburg holding cells, Terblanche was found dead in the back of the police vehicle. According to sources close to the investigation, his death appears to be self-inflicted, although police have not yet released an official post-mortem report.

Community Mourns the Loss of a Bright, Beloved Woman

Friends and relatives of Stacey van Heerden have described her as a “warm, caring woman with a gentle spirit.”

“She didn’t deserve this. She was full of life and always had a kind word for everyone,” said a close friend, who asked not to be named.

The incident has sparked deep concern among women’s rights groups and community members, who are calling for greater awareness of gender-based violence, especially behind closed doors in seemingly “normal” relationships.

A Wake-Up Call: Abuse Can Hide in Plain Sight

While full details of the couple’s history are still under investigation, early reports and witness accounts suggest there may have been a pattern of abuse that was never formally addressed.

Experts warn that many victims of intimate partner violence do not speak out due to fear, stigma, or emotional manipulation.

“In cases like this, you often find red flags that went unnoticed. That’s why we urge communities to be alert and check in on loved ones, even when everything seems okay on the surface,” said Nthabiseng Mahlangu, a social worker and advocate for women’s safety.

Safety Tips for Individuals in Vulnerable Situations

If you or someone you know is in a potentially abusive relationship, here are a few important steps to consider:

• Speak to someone you trust — a friend, pastor, or counselor. Don’t keep silent.
• Document abuse (where safe to do so), including photos, messages, or voice recordings.
• Avoid isolation — abusers often thrive when victims are cut off from their support systems.
• Save emergency contacts under code names if necessary.
• Report concerning behavior to local authorities or support services, even anonymously.

For immediate help, contact the GBV Command Centre at 0800 428 428, or dial 1207867# on your cellphone.

A Moment of Reflection: How Do We Support Survivors Before It’s Too Late?

This tragedy prompts us to ask ourselves:

• Are we listening when people cry for help, even silently?
• What signs are we missing in the people closest to us?
• How can we create safe spaces for women (and men) to speak without fear?

Let’s start the conversation, not just in moments of grief, but in everyday life, when it can still make a difference.

Help Us Spread Awareness and Save Lives

Let’s not allow Stacey van Heerden’s death to be just another statistic. Share this story. Talk about it. Offer support to someone who may need it.

Story published by Missing Person South Africa
Author: Zinhle Cele

📧 Email: zinhle.cela@missingpersonsa.co.za
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🔗 Report a missing person: missingpersonsa.co.za