WHAT MIGHT THE FUTURE HOLD FOR HENRI AND DANIELLÉ?

When a difficult, drawn-out situation such as a harrowing two-year murder trial comes to an end, Henri and Daniellé could find it difficult to adapt to normal life, says Dr Jolanda Dreyer, a relationship counsellor from Pretoria.

“Most of their energy and conversation now is likely to centre around the trial and how to best support Henri.

“Will they have anything left to say to each other when it’s all over?

“It’s bound to be difficult for Daniellé. A relationship like this will have many snags and potholes,” she says.

Yet while Daniellé might well feel consumed by the drama in Henri’s life, hardship can also serve to bring couples closer together.

Daniellé has no family in Cape Town and all her support and comfort seemingly comes from Henri. Her mother, Heloise Brown, lives in Scotland and her dad, Dr Wannie Janse van Rensburg, is based in Malelane, Mpumalanga.

In June 2016 Heloise told YOU that her daughter is “a lovely person who wants to help everyone”.

“Sometimes I just want to cover her in tissues [to protect her],” Heloise said.

It’s inevitable the stress of the trial will have taken its toll on Daniellé, Dreyer says, and she’s likely to have suffered anxiety.

“With anxiety comes three reactions: fight, flight or freeze. She must be worried about Henri and what will happen to them if he’s found guilty.

“But how she handles the experience all depends on her.”