Murder accused ‘wants to tell story’

TRIPLE murder accused Henri van Breda has one fervent wish – to tell his story.

But he does not want cameras in his face when he does.

The 22-year-old’s much anticipated trial in the High Court in Cape Town was off to a false start yesterday. An application brought by Media 24 to stream the proceedings live as well as a request for more evidence by Van Breda’s counsel prompted Judge Siraj Desai to postpone the trial to April 24.

Desai had granted Media 24 permission to film the proceedings but suspended the order after both the defence and prosecution objected.

“I have consulted with my client and I have prepared a plea‚” said Pieter Botha‚ Van Breda’s counsel.

Botha asked Desai to postpone the trial so that he could obtain the original pictures of the crimes and DNA reports.

Desai had allowed the media to take pictures inside the courtroom 15 minutes before the court started and at the end of the proceedings.

He also allowed video cameras on stands for live streaming to be mounted in discreet locations in the courtroom.

But he ordered the media not to take pictures of Van Breda’s sister‚ Marli.

The prosecution said most state witnesses were reluctant to testify in the glare of cameras. The parties asked Desai to furnish them with reasons for his decision.

Van Breda is out on R100 000 bail. He allegedly killed his father‚ mother and brother with an axe at De Zalze Winelands golf estate in Stellenbosch. He is also charged with the attempted murder of his sister Marli‚ now 18. — TMG