South Africa - Martin, 55, Theresa, 54, Rudi van Breda, 22, murdered, 26 Jan 2015 #4

[Tortoise]

I guess I better drag my voodoo doll out together with the biggest darning needles I can find.

:lol:

I'll join you.

 

[Tortoise]

The whole purpose of the live streaming is to open up transparency in the courts. If it only applies to experts and neighbours then it hasn't served its intended purpose. Those witnesses aren't on trial. I hope Desai doesn't lose sight of that.

 

[Tortoise]

I'm on a rant, forgive me.

This chump (that's the politest I could come up with) had enough nerve (was gonna say courage but that suggests something valiant), to slaughter his family, one by one. And now he's peeing his pants because he has to answer questions in public.

Don't be fooled that this is about stage fright or stuttering, it is about being taken apart, exposed as a fraud, not winning or being able to exert dominance.

 

[L2L]

http://www.kfm.co.za/articles/2017/...-cameras-off-in-court-before-taking-the-stand

Includes podcast but nothing new.

 

[JudgeJudi]

We're gathered at the Cape High Court where we expect to hear if the Defence's appeal to limit live streaming was successful

https://twitter.com/CapeTownEtc

 

[JudgeJudi]

WC High Court gallery filling up fast. Different picture to last week when completely empty. Henri #VanBreda expected to testify today.

https://twitter.com/TeamNews24

 

[JudgeJudi]

The State's final witness, Henri #VanBreda, has arrived. Judge Siraj Desai expected to confirm shortly if testimony will be streamed.

https://twitter.com/TeamNews24

 

[Fluffykins]

Gosh, didn't I pick a good time to come back. I had to take a break after that awful DNA woman Olckers tried to grind everything to a standstill. Was feeling like I just can't stand this any more! :gaah: ullhair:

Today certainly promises to be more interesting.

 

[JudgeJudi]

Henri is in the bench, behind his legal team looking tired, court is packed this morning

https://twitter.com/CapeTownEtc

I guess it's appropriate that today is Halloween, a day when monsters are out and about.

 

[JudgeJudi]

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

 

[JudgeJudi]

Yay, livestreaming is going ahead.

 

[JudgeJudi]

Judge Desai says Adv Botha can't argue actual prejudice if testimony is streamed, only potential. Allows livestream to continue.

#VanBreda asked to speak as loudly as he can and to address Judge Desai. He is seated in the box.

pleaded not guilty. Adv Botha asks him about his plea explanation, Henri says it's only a summary.

https://twitter.com/TeamNews24

Henri looks visibly upset upon Desai's verdict. He walks to the witness stand.

https://twitter.com/CapeTownEtc

 

[JudgeJudi]

#VanBreda stands up. He is asked about his parents and brother, when they were born. Tomorrow is Henri's 23rd birthday.

#VanBreda asked again to speak louder. He is standing because the witness box is too small.

https://twitter.com/TeamNews24

Botha confirming family details with the witness. van Breda now looks poised and confident

Henri van Breda turns 23 tomorrow.

https://twitter.com/CapeTownEtc

 

[JudgeJudi]

#VanBreda family lived in Grdons Bay when they returned from Autralia.Came back to SA for Dad's business, mom wanted to be closer to family.

Mid-January 2015 Rudi's gf left for Australia. She had been visiting. Rudi would have followed mid-February.

https://twitter.com/TeamNews24

H: Marli went to Somerset College, and then we moved to Klein Zalze, intention to stay in security estate near Marlis school

Henri: "We were a very close family, we shared everything together, we certainly enjoyed spending time together"

https://twitter.com/CapeTownEtc

 

[JudgeJudi]

Family was close knit enjoyed spending time together. Summer holidays took part in outdoor activities. He and mom played Scrabble.

Says family had disagreement about closeness of Marli and James Reade-Jahn's relationship - touchy subject - along with her weight

Doesn't believe James Reade-Jahn had any involvement in his family's murders.

Remember the heady ''Pay back the Money'' days & suspension of 20 EFF MPs in 2014? It's back in WCape Hi Court today

https://twitter.com/TeamNews24

B: A document was handed in with whatsapp messages between Marli and James her boyfriend, reference made to a discussion re marli

https://twitter.com/CapeTownEtc

 

[badgersmythe]

Following from the UK. Thank you so much for your detailed commentary.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JudgeJudi]

Evening of murders, Rudi #VanBreda went for a run, Henri watched TV with dad. Had a bottle of wine. Mom in kitchen, Marli in room.

Later #VanBreda and Rudi watched TV and dad did some work. Mom on phone with brother, Marli was doing her homework.

Family usually had dinner around 7:30. Later in evening men watched Star Trek as they got new hifi system. Can't recall time.

Didn't mention times in his statement. Col Benecke specified as he wanted exact times, Henri says.

https://twitter.com/TeamNews24

H: Rudi went for a run around the estate and I was watching Tv with my dad, mom in the kitchen, marli in her room

https://twitter.com/CapeTownEtc

 

[JudgeJudi]

After movie, which ended late, #VanBreda said goodnight and went to bed. Mom had already said goodnight and was in her room, as was Marli.

#VanBreda and Rudi shared a room. They had a family dog called Sasha, who slept in the boys room or in the lounge.

Says Sasha was sickly at the time. They would carry her up the stairs. He can't recall if he did that night.

Brothers got to bed, lights off. Both on laptops, he was watching One Piece. Rudi was on laptop for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Says he watched for a couple of hours. Listened to music on phone through earphones trying to fall asleep. Couldn't.

https://twitter.com/TeamNews24

 

[JudgeJudi]

Later went to bathroom as he needed to move his bowels. Left lights off. Took phone to play games.

Starting to stutter. Says he heard strange sounds inside the house. Loud banging sounds, not a familiar sound.

https://twitter.com/TeamNews24

 

[JudgeJudi]

Had left the door slightly ajar. Says he got up to investigate. Assumes he put his phone in pocket.

Says opened door, saw silhouette of someone who appeared to be hitting Rudi. Wipes his mouth.

Person was swinging object down while standing between two beds, #VanBreda says. Didn't wipe or flush, he confirms after Adv Botha asks.

Shouted for help, light in room was switched on. Attacker facing away from him when light came on, saw attacking Rudi's head.

Desai adjourns for tea.

https://twitter.com/TeamNews24