‘Only family’s DNA at scene’

The chief forensic analyst at the police’s forensic laboratory has told the Western Cape High Court “no unknown DNA was found on the scene” at the Van Breda family home in the luxury De Zalze Estate, in Stellenbosch.

Henri van Breda, 22, is on trial for allegedly murdering his mother, father and older brother there on January 27, 2015.

His sister Marli, who was 16 years old at the time, survived the attack but cannot recall anything about it because she has retrograde amnesia.

Henry van Breda, pictured, has claimed that a laughing, axe-wielding intruder, wearing gloves, a balaclava and dark clothing, had been behind the brutal attack.

But yesterday, DNA expert Lieutenant-Colonel Sharlene Otto said no “unknown DNA” had been found in the 216 samples that her laboratory had analysed.

She told the court that “every touch leaves a trace”, in accordance with the forensic rule called the Locard Principle.

Otto said nail scrapings taken from Henri’s left hand contained the mixed DNA of himself, his mother and his brother.

A blood sample taken from the bottom of the axe handle also had a “mixture result”. Otto said Henri’s DNA could be read into the mixture, as well as the DNA of others, but there was not enough to read a full profile.

A swab of blood from the head of the axe again showed a mixture of both male and female DNA, belonging to Teresa and Rudi.

Otto testified that blood found on the corner of the shower floor was also a mixture of DNA profiles – Rudi’s, Teresa’s and Henri’s.

The handle of a knife contained touch DNA that belonged to Rudi. – ANA