Gabriela Alban’s father breaks down during testimony

THE FATHER of murdered 39-year-old American marketing executive Gabriela Kabrins Alban broke down after telling the Western Cape High Court that his only child had been, “brutally, brutally, brutally murdered, almost satanically”.

Howdy Kabrins took the stand on day four of the trial against Guatemalan murder accused Diego Novella, who allegedly killed Alban in the room they were sharing at an upmarket Camps Bay hotel in July 2015.

Kabrins said a “letter was placed on her body, an ugly message of hate” that had left him traumatised. He testified that he had met the accused for the first time in April 2015 when he flew to Guatemala City with his daughter where she lived with Novella.

He was assisting her to return to South America, as she had spent months in Los Angeles for medical treatment.

In 2014, Alban had been misdiagnosed with Addison’s disease and was prescribed steroids. She was suffering from fatigue, a loss of ambition, pain and insomnia, and the medication “appeared to compound her illness and problems”.

He told the court he was not aware of his daughter ever using any substances.

In July, 2015, Alban flew to South Africa. On July 29, Kabrins said he received a call from his ex-wife, Alban’s mother, at 3.30am. She told him Alban had been murdered. “Everyone was hysterical; that’s all I remember.”

“My world has changed ever since that phone call. I screamed and cried and cried and cried.” The family immediately flew to Cape Town where Kabrins and Alban’s stepfather identified her body.

“My only child, I will not have any grandchildren or have anyone to say kaddish (a prayer said in Jewish mourning rituals) for me when I die. My heart is broken. I want to ensure that I do everything possible for her and get justice and make sure that everyone knows I will always be her dad, and she will always be my baby.” Court was adjourned to give Kabrins time to recover from the emotional testimony. Loud sobbing could be heard from the public gallery from several members of the Jewish community, who have been attending court proceedings to support the family. Kabrins was comforted by his wife, with both weeping uncontrollably.

Novella pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder on Monday. His defence is expected to argue diminished responsibility due to drug intoxication.