State’s case taking strain

The defence has cast doubt on the state’s case that only one axe was used in the murders of Teresa, Martin and Rudi van Breda, as well as the attempted murder of Marli van Breda.

Henri van Breda, pictured, claimed he was not responsible for the brutal murders that took place in the family home at De Zalze in Stellenbosch on January 27, 2015.

In his plea explanation, he said a laughing, axe-wielding intruder wearing dark clothing, gloves and a balaclava was responsible for the attacks. “I also recall hearing what sounded like angry voices of more than one person, somewhere else in the house. Although I could not distinguish specific words, it sounded like the persons were speaking Afrikaans.”

Yesterday, defence lawyer Piet Botha highlighted the fact that Marli’s blood had not been found on the axe used in the killings of her parents and brother. Furthermore, no trace of her blood was found on his client’s clothes.

This would support Henri’s version that he was not near his sister when she was attacked, as well as the possibility that a second axe and more than one intruder were behind the attack.

While cross-examining police captain Marius Joubert, a bloodstain expert, Botha said despite eight swabs taken from the axe – four from the handle and four from the blade – “not a single drop of Marli’s blood was found”.

Teresa, Martin and Rudi’s DNA were all found on the axe, as well as on Henri’s shorts and socks.

According to evidence from a previous state witness, forensic pathologist Dr Daphne Anthony, Marli’s injuries were similar to those of the deceased family members. She, too, had been hit with an object similar to an axe.

Botha said evidence indicated she had injuries indicative of a struggle and demanded to know Joubert’s explanation for the absence of her DNA on the axe.

He said James Reade-Jahn, Marli’s boyfriend, testified that he had not recognised the axe as the one kept in the Van Bredas’ pantry. – ANA