South Africa - Martin, 55, Theresa, 54, Rudi van Breda, 22, murdered, 26 Jan 2015 #2

[PrimeSuspect]

18 months is a long time to wait before charging him so there must have been some reason. Speculation, while it can be interesting for us, doesn't advance our knowledge.

I have a recollection that the defence contacted the NPA at some point and said if they were going to charge him they should do so because HvB couldn't move on with his life until he knew what was happening. I've searched but can't find the article.

Apart from the forensics person who will testify re the blood splatter, I'd love to know

* Did the State find evidence on HvB's phone that he had looked up the axe murder in the US
* Have the State subpoenaed any records from the drug rehab centre that HvB was allegedly in
* How he can explain away his fingerprints not being on the axe

What if someone else in the family searched about Porco? HvB may have threatened them that night during the fight?

 

[JudgeJudi]

If Botha were to win this argument, how will it affect the outcome of the trial? What did he say that was so incriminating? Is there something we haven't heard yet?

I'd like to think that in the long run it will make no difference whatsoever. It's either HvB or the phantom intruder/s of whom there's not one shred of evidence, not even a hair.

 

[Interested Bystander]

Anthony Molyneux not tweeting today . He is sick. Tracey has to go to the office first thing so it looks as though JJ's link is all we have at the moment.

 

[JudgeJudi]

Ruling being read by Judge Siraj Desai.

First speaking on pathologist reports which Adv Botha does not want media to access.

Desai says it's graphic, and that Botha says publication thereof would be prejudicial to his client.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/live-van-breda-axe-murder-trial-day-22-20170601

 

[JudgeJudi]

Desai says not persuaded that his right to a fair trial would be compromised. Possible harm is far fetched, he says. [YAY]

Publication, however, would sensationalise the matter.

The application to bar press is refused, but press should be sensitive in their publication.

Henri's statement has been admitted as evidence. Reasons to be given at the end of the trial.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/live-van-breda-axe-murder-trial-day-22-20170601

 

[Tortoise]

Henri #vanbreda aansoek vir toelating van getuieverklaring deur Regter Desai van hand gewys

https://twitter.com/JulianJansen

google translation
Henri #vanbreda rejected by Judge Desai for the application of witness statement

 

[PrimeSuspect]

Desai says not persuaded that his right to a fair trial would be compromised. Possible harm is far fetched, he says. [YAY]

Publication, however, would sensationalise the matter.

The application to bar press is refused, but press should be sensitive in their publication.

Henri's statement has been admitted as evidence. Reasons to be given at the end of the trial.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/live-van-breda-axe-murder-trial-day-22-20170601

YAY!!!!! I'm very pleased, thank you Judge Desai!!

 

[JudgeJudi]

WOW, the trial is continuing!!!!

Cornelius Engelbrecht is the next witness. He is with the Hawks.

He was asked to assist with the forensic analysis.

He investigated cellphones and landline records.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/live-van-breda-axe-murder-trial-day-22-20170601

 

[Interested Bystander]

Such good news. Well done Judge!

 

[Tortoise]

Fan-bloody-tastic! Yes!!!

And wise decision not to give his reasons until the end, because the defence would just play on it to try to disprove his reasons and possibly lodge an appeal.

 

[L2L]

Cellphone data coming up!

 

[PrimeSuspect]

https://twitter.com/Traceyams

Henri's statement admitted as evidence. Looking forward to seeing Judge Desai's reasons

 

[JudgeJudi]

[I'm sitting on the edge of my chair]

Henri's cellphone data was analysed as well as the family's landline. He compiled a report.

[Tracey is back tweeting]

 

[Tortoise]

Desai has ruled press is allowed to publish post-mortem report, but should be sensitive when publishing.
Desai has also ruled to allow initial statement be submitted as evidence.

https://twitter.com/ewnreporter

 

[Tortoise]

Engelbrecht says data shows #VanBreda made several calls in early hours of 27/01/15,incl to 101777 & his friend Bianca van Der Westhuizen.MM

Engelbrecht says it doesn't look like van Der Westhuizen answered any calls.#VanBreda sent her a text:"Emergency, please pick up your phone"

https://twitter.com/ewnreporter

 

[L2L]

Desai has ruled press is allowed to publish post-mortem report, but should be sensitive when publishing.
Desai has also ruled to allow initial statement be submitted as evidence.

https://twitter.com/ewnreporter

Best news so far!

 

[JudgeJudi]

The silence is deafening. I have an image in my head that HvB is out cold on the floor

 

[Tortoise]

The national government-run emergency service, called Emergency Management Service (EMS), includes ambulance services (tel. 10177) and national firedepartments. All cities have their own dedicated fire department telephone number. The South African Police Service flying squad can be reached on tel. 10111.

http://country.southafrica.net/country/us/en/travel_tips/entry/emergency-services-enus

 

[Tortoise]

Engelbrecht is asked to stand down for now while defense checks something he mentioned. MM
https://twitter.com/ewnreporter

 

[JudgeJudi]

Call Bianca 04:24 - to Bianca van der Westhuizen. Internet search was made 04:27. He also called 10177 at 07:12 - wrong number. Then 07:12 from landline to 107.

Google Maps search was to plot where he had been at that stage.

Incoming call at 07:39 - could not determine who call was from.

No calls made to Bianca were answered. There was a message sent to her. "Emergency please pick up the phone"

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/live-van-breda-axe-murder-trial-day-22-20170601