‘House of Horrors’ inspected by court
Van Breda ‘stony-faced’ as lawyer demonstrates entry
THE HOUSE of horrors, where three members of a family was hacked to death and a 16-yearold critically injured with an axe, became the centre of attention of the court case in which the youngest son is accused of the murders.
The house in Goske Street at the De Zalze Estate in Stellenbosch came under the spotlight two years ago, when the son, Henri van Breda, was accused of killing his parents, Martin and Theresa, and his older brother, Rudi. His sister Marli was left critically injured.
Yesterday, the Western Cape High Court conducted an inspection in loco following Van Breda’s plea statement.
Van Breda, 22, arrived at the estate with his legal representatives. Their car was soon followed by presiding Judge Siraj Desai. The large media contingent was only allowed entry to the security complex a few minutes later.
The inspection began outside the yard of the house where the murders occurred. Van Breda, dressed in a blue suit, remained impassive.
State prosecutor Susan Galloway had told the court what was to be expected at the inspection. She observed that all houses in Goske Street had the same appearance – white paint, small garden in front yard, two side security gates and high walls.
She said some of the things that would be highlighted in the inspection were the relation of the room where Van Breda’s brother and father were found to the kitchen, stairs and bathroom.
The court would also pay attention to the wall of the house adjacent to the room where the two men were found and blood splatters were discovered. The table which had valuables such as an expensive bag, laptop and cigarettes the accused smoked, would also be assessed.
Van Breda’s lawyer, Pieter Botha, started the inspection with two short demonstrations on how entry could be gained into the house. Defence lawyer Lorinda van Niekerk asked him to jump over the walls into the yard.
A neighbour, former sports presenter Martin Locke, watched. Locke relived the morning in January 2015 when he learned of the murders.
“I was up at 3.30am doing some stuff, but I heard no noise. I was shocked to see three police vehicles in the parking lot in front.”
Locke said he and Martin van Breda shared a mutual interest in golf. He knew Theresa and Marli well, but was not so familiar with the two sons. “They were good neighbours and very friendly.”
Locke said the four-bedroom house sold for R6.2 million, often evoked conversations about that fateful morning.
He said the events had also strengthened relationships in the community. He described the gated community as a serene place.
“This is an amazing place… it has tight security. We have no fears, we just hope to find out what happened that night,” Locke said.