South Africa - Martin, 55, Theresa, 54, Rudi van Breda, 22, murdered, 26 Jan 2015 #1

[Estelle]

Who is the sister? Marli van Breda was 16 at the time of the attack. She sustained severe head wounds and a severed jugular and, after being hospitalised for six weeks, was treated at a rehabilitation centre.

She has retrograde amnesia and cannot recall anything about the attack.

Marli returned to school in June that year. The Western Cape High Court ruled that she be placed in the care of her aunt and uncle.

She and Henri saw each other again six months after the axe attack.

Following his arrest in June, her legal representative and curator Louise Buikman said the news had been "very distressing" to Marli.

https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/you-south-africa/20150521/281543699499020

She has not attended any of the court proceedings following her brother's arrest.

The only daughter of the Van Bredas turned 18 in October.

The Western Cape High Court ruled that although she is legally an adult, Buikman would continue to oversee matters concerning her.

The advocate was authorised to continue acting on Marli's behalf, to help her in legal proceedings and in making decisions about her therapy and schooling.

Buikman is to report to the court on Marli's progress to determine if she still requires a curator by the end of January 2018.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/all-you-need-to-know-van-breda-profiles-20170326

 

[Estelle]

Who is the girlfriend? Henri’s current girlfriend, Janse Van Rensburg has indicated she will be supporting him throughout his murder trial and has declared herself to be “100 per cent” convinced of his innocence.

But where is she? I have not seen her in court yet.

 

[Estelle]

I have been searching for someone on Martin's side of the family and found this:

Some of the relatives have come in support of Henri’s claims of innocence. André van Breda, the twin brother of Martin van Breda, said the family would stand behind Henri, 20, “no matter what”.

https://konniemoments.com/2017/03/2...rother-in-south-african-axe-attack-bloodbath/

So is there an Andre van Breda as well as an Andre du Toit?

If there are two different uncles named Andre, then both sides of the family are supporting Henri as both men have been quoted in the media as saying the same thing! But none of them have appeared in court yet except Andre du Toit, the guardian!

 

[LadyL]

no security there for a murder suspect? or only behind the cameras?

This is a far superior version than the one I saw previously.

Full length plea hearing

[video=youtube;Yuah3fYrcwU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yuah3fYrcwU[/video]

 

[Interested Bystander]

Estelle, I thought a girl called Bianca was HVB's girlfriend. Is Janse new on the scene? I think I must have missed something in the story.

EDIT

She was the girl who was picked up with him for drug taking. I think she may have a first name of Danielle. Bianca, the girlfriend at the time of the murder, may have an interesting story to tell.

 

[JudgeJudi]

Since police failed to take blood from possible suspect, they are reportedly trying other ways to establish a drug link.

Something as apparently minor as a stain has reportedly taken centre stage in the ongoing investigation into the grizzly Van Breda axe murders.

According to Netwerk24, a pair of pyjama pants that allegedly have a urine stain on them was taken from the crime scene and could shed light on whether drugs played a role in the attack.

A Times Live report from 2015 suggests that those who know him believe Henri was addicted to tik, also known as crystal meth, and would regularly buy drugs. He was even treated at a high-end drug rehabilitation centre the year before the murders.

Tik is an extremely addictive drug with side-effects such as lowered ambition and increased aggression.

Netwerk 24 further reported that police failed to take a blood sample from Henri on the day of the murders, but they did use a torch to see how his pupils reacted to light, though it’s unclear if that finding was accurately recorded.

Police have kept mum about their investigations since the triple murder, saying there were no new developments to report.

http://citizen.co.za/news/news-nati...ain-takes-centre-stage-in-family-axe-murders/

 

[JudgeJudi]

The Sunday Times stated that it has tracked down a man, known as Mark, who claims he was Henri’s drug runner. Mark identified Henri from a photograph and said that he had been a regular client.

Police have not taken Mark’s statement, but sources close to the investigation reported that Henri’s medical records would be subpoenaed to prove addiction, therefore Mark’s statement is not necessary.

According to the Sunday Times, Henri allegedly spent time in an upmarket drug rehabilitation centre in Cape Town in 2014.

http://www.thesouthafrican.com/van-breda-murders-henri-suspected-of-having-a-tik-addiction/

 

[JudgeJudi]

A cellphone that was found on the scene of the Van Breda murders was apparently used to search for information on axe murders, sources revealed to Netwerk24.

The forensic unit apparently made the find after going through the search histories on cellphones and computers in the house following the murders.

It was not said whose cellphone it was but it was found that someone had searched for information on the axe attack of Peter and Joan Portco in the US. The Portco’s son, Christopher, who was 21 at the time, was found guilty of the second-degree murder of Peter and of leaving his mother severely disfigured.

Attempts by News24 to get comment from the NPA were unsuccessful and the police also refused to confirm the claims.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/N...sed-to-find-info-on-other-axe-attack-20150323

 

[JudgeJudi]

Marli van Breda, survivor of a tragic axe attack on her family has not asked to see her brother, Henri while she is undergoing rehabilitation.

Previous reports said while in hospital, Marli was surrounded by pictures of her family members. However there were no images of Henri.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/20...Marli-has-not-asked-to-see-her-brother-report

 

[Interested Bystander]

A cellphone that was found on the scene of the Van Breda murders was apparently used to search for information on axe murders, sources revealed to Netwerk24.

The forensic unit apparently made the find after going through the search histories on cellphones and computers in the house following the murders.

It was not said whose cellphone it was but it was found that someone had searched for information on the axe attack of Peter and Joan Portco in the US. The Portco’s son, Christopher, who was 21 at the time, was found guilty of the second-degree murder of Peter and of leaving his mother severely disfigured.

Attempts by News24 to get comment from the NPA were unsuccessful and the police also refused to confirm the claims.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/N...sed-to-find-info-on-other-axe-attack-20150323

If the report is correct, I think it would be the nail in the coffin for HVB, so to speak. I suppose he will claim the intruder dropped it and the mobile will not be assigned to anyone or possibly previously stolen. Hopefully fingerprints will be found on it, although it may have been cleaned or gloves (surgical type) used. HVB has been charged with premeditation - this may be the reason why.

 

[JudgeJudi]

According to the indictment, "an axe and kitchen knife [both from the Van Breda family home] were recovered from the scene". But forensic scientist David Klatzow told The Times stronger evidence was needed.

"I don't think that in itself [the DNA matching] is damning evidence. It is not surprising to find the blood of three dead family members on the clothes of another family member. The real evidence would be the ‘blood spatter’ - and whether it is a ‘fine mist’, ‘big gushes of blood’ or something else. That is what is really going to draw this story in forensic terms," said Klatzow.

Attorney William Booth said that though forensic processes were often lengthy, in this instance they had been "unusually long". In other cases, suspects had been held on the spot because they had the blood of the deceased on their clothes or body.

"That is grounds for reasonable suspicion for an arrest. I can't say if he received preferential treatment, but many others have not enjoyed such a long break between the crime and it coming to court."

http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/2016/06/15/Henri-van-Breda-Stained-with-his-familys-blood

 

[JudgeJudi]

It seems there are conflicting stories as to whether a blood sample was taken. Bearing in mind the horrific nature of the attack and the deaths of 3 family members, I’d be more than shocked if his blood wasn’t tested. I’m sure it would have been.

Blood samples were taken from Henri to be tested for the presence of drugs and alcohol, sources were reported saying.

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/the...rgency-services-raises-suspicion-and-concern/

 

[JudgeJudi]

If the report is correct, I think it would be the nail in the coffin for HVB, so to speak. I suppose he will claim the intruder dropped it and the mobile will not be assigned to anyone or possibly previously stolen. Hopefully fingerprints will be found on it, although it may have been cleaned or gloves (surgical type) used. HVB has been charged with premeditation - this may be the reason why.

HvB said the attacker wore gloves. Of course he did ... wouldn't want to get his hands dirty now would he.

 

[JudgeJudi]

Yay, that's the first time in days I've been able to reply to a post. Everything comes to those who wait.

 

[L2L]

Since police failed to take blood from possible suspect, they are reportedly trying other ways to establish a drug link.

Something as apparently minor as a stain has reportedly taken centre stage in the ongoing investigation into the grizzly Van Breda axe murders.

According to Netwerk24, a pair of pyjama pants that allegedly have a urine stain on them was taken from the crime scene and could shed light on whether drugs played a role in the attack.

A Times Live report from 2015 suggests that those who know him believe Henri was addicted to tik, also known as crystal meth, and would regularly buy drugs. He was even treated at a high-end drug rehabilitation centre the year before the murders.

Tik is an extremely addictive drug with side-effects such as lowered ambition and increased aggression.

Netwerk 24 further reported that police failed to take a blood sample from Henri on the day of the murders, but they did use a torch to see how his pupils reacted to light, though it’s unclear if that finding was accurately recorded.

Police have kept mum about their investigations since the triple murder, saying there were no new developments to report.

http://citizen.co.za/news/news-nati...ain-takes-centre-stage-in-family-axe-murders/

How could the police possibly not take a blood test? Mandatory, I'd have thought.

 

[L2L]

A cellphone that was found on the scene of the Van Breda murders was apparently used to search for information on axe murders, sources revealed to Netwerk24.

The forensic unit apparently made the find after going through the search histories on cellphones and computers in the house following the murders.

It was not said whose cellphone it was but it was found that someone had searched for information on the axe attack of Peter and Joan Portco in the US. The Portco’s son, Christopher, who was 21 at the time, was found guilty of the second-degree murder of Peter and of leaving his mother severely disfigured.

Attempts by News24 to get comment from the NPA were unsuccessful and the police also refused to confirm the claims.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/N...sed-to-find-info-on-other-axe-attack-20150323

With this kind of evidence, how could he not be convicted?

 

[PrimeSuspect]

I watched the entire plea explanation that JJ posted (thanks!) and it struck me that when he describes "the intruder", you can simply replace the intruder with "Henry", himself. Like in the movie Fight club, there is a Narrator, and an actor/character, but they are both the same person. One blacks out while the other one takes over.
My opinion only!!!

I agree, I think the judge will surely pick up on this too.

TG, HvB wasn't able to speak to his gf that night because if he tried his 'story' on her, she might have inadvertently helped him to make changes once it came to the statement.

 

[Estelle]

Estelle, I thought a girl called Bianca was HVB's girlfriend. Is Janse new on the scene? I think I must have missed something in the story.

EDIT

She was the girl who was picked up with him for drug taking. I think she may have a first name of Danielle. Bianca, the girlfriend at the time of the murder, may have an interesting story to tell.

Henri's girlfriends

You are correct, IB. Henri has had TWO girlfriends which I had not realised before you pointed this out. I will try to find excerpts where they are mentioned.

Girlfriend No 1: Bianca - no surname given.

On the night of the murders, He explained that he wanted to call emergency services but had no numbers. He tried his girlfriend at the time Bianca‚ to no avail.

He said he tried Bianca again but cannot remember how many times.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/20...reda-family-Henri-tells-his-side-of-the-story

So Bianca's name only appears when talking about the day of the murders and Henri calling her to no avail. There are no images of her that I can find. It seems that she could have quickly become an ex-girlfriend. Bianca could be one of the many witnesses to be called. If so, it might be interesting to hear if she had turned her phoned off during that night or whether she decided not to answer it. Then what was said after they made contact later that day and when they broke up.

Girlfriend No 2:Danielle Janse Van Rensburg now 21

HvB and Danielle met at a cooking school in the months after his parents and brother were killed.

There is an image of her on this page:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...rder-family-charged-drug-possession-bail.html

The 22-year-old and his girlfriend, Daniellá Janse van Rensburg (21) faced a charge of drug possession after marijuana was found in their car in Table View in September last year.

Henri van Breda and girlfriend spent night behind bars for drug possession

The charge against Henri was dropped on the basis of merit, while Daniellá’s was dropped on condition she attends compulsory sessions with a psychologist.

In an exclusive interview with YOU Daniellé said that she believes 100 percent in Henri’s innocence and will stand by him.

She called Henri the love of her life. The reason she reckons he’s innocent? Well, he told her he was.

Van Breda’s current girlfriend (not the same one he had last year when his family was axed) has been dating him for the past four months after they met at a Cape Town chef school in February.

You somehow fails to make clear whether anyone informed her about the axe murder matter at some point over the past four months, stating only that she “knew nothing” about the Stellenbosch murders when they met and that it was “a shock” for her when she found herself at the “centre of a media frenzy when he was arrested” earlier this month, on June 13.

You, however, says that she is “determined to have her say”. She told the magazine that Henri warned her there would be “speculation and rumours about his involvement with the murders” (so presumably the topic did come up at some point over the past four months), but she finds it impossible to believe he might have anything to do with them. She says that he is a gentle person, “the tall, good-looking blue-eyed guy who kept looking at her in class”.

He told her he would answer any of her questions honestly, and he told her the same story he told the police: that “an intruder” broke into his family’s home well after midnight in their high-security estate, butchered everyone with an axe and then somehow ran away, all completely undetected. Janse van Rensburg dismissed the rumours that Henri may somehow have been high on tik and had once been to rehab, as, according to her, he does not even drink.

She revealed that neither she nor Henri had any idea that he was about to be arrested. Him spending the night in the police cells was also a surprise. She was happy he had a “beanie and gloves” to get through the cold night.

Despite the fact that she’s given an interview to the country’s most popular magazine, even providing them with several photos of herself, she says that she felt the need to dye her hair black “since the storm broke” so that “fewer people would recognise her”.

Actually, I saw a photo of her with blonde hair and wondered if it was her or not.

The magazine said that she wasn’t keen to talk about the allegations that he might be a killer. In her view, spending a day with Henri would be enough to prove that he was incapable of murder. She said she “had to be strong” for him on the day he appeared in court and was granted bail of R100 000. She said that her family was also supporting Henri.

 

[Interested Bystander]

Thanks for the background, Estelle. The present girlfriend sounds a little naive to say the least. I think we will find Bianca will be on the witness list and maybe she will have something interesting to say. I also think it very odd that HVB claims he will answer any of the girlfriend's questions truthfully. IMO that is suspicious in itself and often used by liars to conceal the truth. She says he does not drink but his testimony says the family was drinking wine on the evening of the murders. Maybe she is saying he has not imbibed since the murder but how on earth would she know?

 

[JudgeJudi]

David Wyngaard, the second security guard to testify, said he would have driven past the van Breda’s house between six and seven times during his shift. “We go and look if any garage doors are open; we drive through the estate between the houses. If we see a garage door is open, we contact the owners.”

Prosecutor Susan Galloway asked if it was correct that residents who lived on the estate knew that they could call security in the case of an emergency. Wyngaard replied, “Yes. The number is on the vehicle.”

Earlier, Wyngaard could not hide his incredulity when Combrink suggested that two men could have scaled the high fence.

After smiling in bemusement‚ he told Combrink: “They won’t be able to get out because they check everyone who comes in through the front gate‚ and they can’t come over the fence because it is too high and they would get shocked.”

http://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/2017/05/05/van-breda-appears-perky-court/