Merged Henri van Breda - family murders / Did he do it?

[Ampulla of Vater]

Your post count is worse than mine and you've been around longer. The true mark of a dedicated lurker. I approve.

As to your comments, I agree the defence has done a wonderful job of raising reasonable doubt. I'm actually swinging back towards Henri being innocent. Inheritance is certainly a motive, but without the drug-fuelled explanation for his actions, I struggle to believe a young man like would be capable of axing his whole family to death while sober. And if he really did do it, why leave Marli alive? On the 112 call, he mentions that she is still breathing, so he knew she was still alive. If he was the perp and had already killed his mom, dad and brother, why wouldn't he finish the job with Marli?

The whole story stinks IMHO.

ETA: If this was premeditated by Henri, why did he "pass out" on the stairs? To give the family time to bleed out?
If Henri did do it, it had to be a crime of passion right? How does the inheritance motive fit that?

I agree with Carnivore. At this point, I would have to say BARD has not been met. If he did it, perhaps it was a result of rage. The passing out time was to compose himself and to stage the scene and his own injuries. Indeed, why would he leave Marli alive - there goes 50% of the inheritance, but worse is that Henri would have no way of knowing she wouldn't tell the truth that he did it. I feel like he must be innocent.

To be continued...

 

[Octavo]

Day 15 - Self-inflicted wounds continued.

Note: I was confused on the court adjournments and this post actually reflects the events of Day 16 of the trial. I missed day 15 somehow and will post the summary shortly.

Cast
Siraj Desai: Judge.
Botha: Advocate for the defence.
Susan Galloway: Prosecutor.

Dr Marianne Tiemensma: Medical specialist in pathology for the state.

Summary
Dr. Tiemensma returns to the stand and is adamant that the wounds are self-inflicted and that if Henri did have concussion it would not have kept him unconciouss for nearly 3 hours. Botha works hard on the cross, at times losing his temper with the witness. Botha points out that Dr. Albertse's report should be given more weight as she actually physically examined Henri. Dr. Tiemensma's report is based only on photographs of the wounds and Dr. Albertse's report.

Highlights
Dr. Tiemensma explains the difference between loss of consciousness due to emotional stress vs medical stress (loss of blood etc.). Botha notes that Henri did not lose consciousness due to blood loss.
Tiemensma says concussion is a mild brain injury, loss of consciousness for a couple of seconds at most. But more than 90% of concussions doesn't result in loss of consciousness, she explains.
If for hours or more than a few minutes, its in keeping with a more serious injury, may show through severe headache, nausea and vomiting, needs to be evaluated medically.
Reasons for describing some of his injuries as possibly self-inflicted injuries - if you look at the type of wounds, they are superficial and non-fatal. Only danger to life is if it becomes infected.
Regular and equal depth, uniform, linear, no movement in the wounds, parallel, equally deep. They don't differ in depth.
Wounds to thorax and abdomen seem to have a stabbing action, not slicing. Still very superficial. Description of how sustained doesn't fit in with the physical injury.
Tiemensma says there is a strong contrast in comparison to his family's injuries.
Extensive chop wounds caused by an axe. None show any characteristics that it was inflicted with the same type of intent or force

Botha on the cross.
Botha says there is a difference in the descriptions of the wounds of Dr Albertse and Dr Tiemensma.
He says the version of Dr Albertse would be the more acceptable version as she had examined Henri. Tiemensma counters she had the photos as evidence.
The position described at the time of the wounds being inflicted is that there was pushing and pulling, slashing and stabbing, Tiemensma says.
This does not correspond with the wounds.
Adv Botha - Henri says initial movement of attacker was aiming towards his throat and he managed to pull his arm slightly down.
Tiemensma - he definitely didn't strike anything close to the throat. You would expect a downwards sharp force injury toward the chest.
Botha shows with the knife how an attacker could have flicked at Henry's arm.
Tiemensma says that movement would not have resulted in those wounds.
She describes Henri's arm wounds as "so nice and neat" .
Adv Botha keeps arguing that the cuts could be caused by the knife in attackers hand.
Dr Tiemensma is adamant that the wounds are self inflicted.
Botha losing his cool with Tiemensma. Judge Desai tells him he is arguing with the witness, tells him to take a few seconds and ask his question again.

Court breaks for lunch.

Enlarged photo of part of the staircase being shown to Dr Tiemensma. A blood spot can be seen. Henri says when he regained consciousness, he was on the stairs in that vicinity, and noticed the stain on the stairs.
He now points to a blood spot on the elastic of the shorts Henri wore that morning. This, Botha says, is Henri's blood. Could stab wound have resulted in that spot? She says yes, if the blood matches his.
The blood saturated onto his boxer shorts. If it is his own blood, could that smudge (on stairs) been caused by the stab wound? Botha says police didn't take a swab of this blood. She says it depends on the position of his body when he fell.
According to Adv Botha, Henri regained consciousness 2 hours 40 mins later after fainting from seeing his mother and Marli.
Referring to the bump to Henri's head. Tiemensma said it could have resulted in concussion.
She says he knew what he was doing when he Googled emergency services. Could be he had mild concussion, but wont give loss of consciousness for hours.
Henri had constricted pupils and slow reaction to light, Botha says.
Tiemensma says constricted pupils could even be result of drugs, not limited to concussion.

Media
Infographic of Henri's wounds is available here http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/infographic-wounds-sustained-by-henri-van-breda-20170523

Article

 

[Octavo]

The REAL Day 15

Cast
Siraj Desai: Judge.
Botha: Advocate for the defence.
Susan Galloway: Prosecutor.

Michelle van Zyl: Doctor who examined Henri at a clinic on the evening of 27 January 2015

Summary
Please note this is the real day 15 and the post previous to this is in fact Day 16. The only witness on this day was Dr. van Zyl who was the second doctor to examine Henri, a little later that evening. Dr. van Zyl noted the second black eye and discounted any concussion.
A rather boring day, with not much to report really.

Highlights
Judge Desai gets us underway with a warning to State Adv. Galloway to tell Adv. Botha when she has new evidence.

Michelle van Zyl is a medical doctor specialising in emergency medicine. She previously worked at Vergelegen Mediclinic.
She saw Henri van Breda at 20:25, he asked that one of his wounds be examined for possible stitches. He came in with a friend.
He came to the hospital himself , he was fully orientated of his surroundings. She stapled the wound as it wasn't deep enough for stitches.
She discharged him and police asked her to see him again. She requested to complete a J88 form.
She had no idea what had happened that morning. She was asked to list his injuries.
She reported that both eyes were swollen, left was worse and skin had discoloured.
Dr Van Zyl says she saw no indication of concussion. She only examined his front.

Botha to cross.

Left forearm, she noted three scratch marks. Dr Albertse noted four. Dr Van Zyl says she possibly could have missed it the fourth one
He was triaged, and brought him to me. He conversed casually with staff, she recalled. Not emotional. Pain scale - 7/10
Emotional status was he appeared calm. Dr Van Zyl noted that he appeared confident, answered questions with one word answers.
Botha says Henri tells him the policeman who saw him that morning described him as very traumatised.
Albertse says he was very quiet. He was questioned by police, released and meet with family and friends, who say he was very emotional and teary.
Botha says he was traumatised until he went to the hospital.
When she noted his demeanor, it was after police had informed her he was a possible suspect. He was brought in by the officers at 21:45.
James Reade-Jahn (Marli's ex boyfriend - from Day 10) had accompanied him to the hospital the first time. She had noted there was a smell of alcohol on his breath.
Botha says Mr Reade-Jahn had given him a transquiliser after he left the first time.

Article

 

[Octavo]

Day 17 - Self inflicted wounds - continued.

Cast
Siraj Desai: Judge.
Botha: Advocate for the defence.
Susan Galloway: Prosecutor.

Prof. Johan Dempers: Forensic pathologist.

Summary
Prof Johan Dempers on the stand today for the state, testifying to the self-inflicted nature of the injuries. Dempers says it doesn't make sense an attacker would fight Henri differently. Botha brings up Henri's physical size. Yawn.

Highlights
Professor Johan Dempers expected to testify. Defence is objecting to certain parts of his report, Adv Galloway says the admissibility is being challenged.
Adv Botha says Dempers makes extensive reference to what Henri said to police in his statement the day of the murders.
Both have inadmissible hearsay and character evidence, he argues
Botha says he and Galloway know what is coming. A large part of State's case is premised on the statement.
Common cause that he wasn't warned of Section 35; he wasn't a suspect at the time, Botha argues.
Botha suggests that Dempers give his evidence verbally and not hand in his report.

Dempers now on the stand. He compiled a report in August 2015 on the injuries sustained by Henri Van Breda.
He says defensive wounds on Teresa's fingers are not consistent with Henri's
Dempers details the wounds found on each family member. He says Martin and Rudi had similar blows to heads
Henri's wounds are consistent with what the theory says about self inflicted wounds, Prof Dempers says
He says all the factors in case need to be included in formulation. Henri is right handed, and the fact that the abdominal are wounds on left side means they are more likely to be self inflicted.
Galloway says Dr Albertse had used an instrument to check the depth of the wound but stopped when Henri flinched.
He (Dempers) says it is then hard to determine the depth of the wound.

Botha to cross.
Dempers relied on notes and photos to come to his conclusion.
Dempers - I am assuming there was a scuffle. If I only look a the wounding, they are superficial, parallel; that is already suspicious.
Dempers - I look at the abdomen and the story; then look at the other injuries and the injuries sustained by the other family members.
Dempers - Am I saying they are all self inflicted? No. I have to concede there are other possibilities for some of them.
Dempers - I believe the scratches on arms and chest are likely more self inflicted, and the wound in abdomen may be too.
Botha: Is it possible for someone to have caused it?
Dempers: Yes, but victim would have to be standing still. The depth and characteristics of the cuts are not in keeping with an attack
Botha says the wound on Henri's left hand side of abdomen was elliptical shape, measurements given 17mm. Depth must have been deeper than 10 mm, Dempers agrees.
Dempers noted in his report that there is a vast difference between Henri and his family's injuries.
Botha says he isn't saying that the axe caused his injuries, but that some were caused by the knife.
Botha says this could explain the injuries sustained by his family and Henri being so different.

Now referring to photo of Henri siting in the ambulance.
Botha asks if the two cuts on either side of Henri's chest could be caused by one action. Dempers says it could be one action, but the smaller one on the left comes form the top and curves downward, the one of the left breast curves up, appears to come from a different direction.
If there was a slash, its very difficult to impossible for them to be exactly the same depth or morphology. They have the same appearance, same depth, Dempers says. Likelihood is very, very rare.
Dempers says he is trying to look at it logically, saying same assailant slashed people with an axe, there is no reason why would be fighting differently with Henri.
"I was told never to say never, but in this scenario, I find it very unlikely."
Botha counters that Henri is a tall and strong young man. Dempers doesn't demur.

Article

 

[Octavo]

Apologies for the lack of updates - life has been getting in the way. I'll post a round up of the latest as soon as I get some time.

 

[Ampulla of Vater]

It's not exactly as neat and tidy as your summaries, but hey, if it gives you a day off, it will do:


05/29/2017 The Van Breda murder trial continued at the Western Cape High Court, where Henri Van Breda’s initial statement was assessed, revealing numerous language and spelling errors.

Siraj Desai: Judge.
Botha: Advocate for the defence.
Clinton Malan: On scene on morning of murders
Col. Benecke: On scene on morning of murders with Malan

10:23: Bureau Chief of Sunday Times apologising for publishing photos of Marli van Breda yesterday. Judge Siraj Desai says the court accepts his apology.

10:24: Sergeant Clinton Malan returns to the dock to continue his testimony in trial within a trial.

10:26: Botha cross-examining. Malan only made his statement of the transporting of Henri that morning in September, eight months after the murders.

10:27: Botha asks Malan if he is aware that Henri had the right to remain silent, to not incriminate himself, and to he made aware that whatever he said can be used against him. Malan says he does.

10:27: Botha says Henri was never notified of any of these rights that day. Malan says that it's correct.

10:28: Refers to a photo of Henri sitting in the ambulance. When Malan arrived, Henri was still in the ambulance.

10:29: Malan said he had been standing outside. He didn't see him sitting in the ambulance. At one point he got out of the ambulance and accompanied Malan and his partner in a police vehicle.

10:31: He was still dressed in his boxer shorts, Botha asks. Malan said he recalled that Henri had been wearing a t-shirt. Malan says he was wearing a boxer shorts and t-shirt. He doesn't know where Henri got the t-shirt.

10:31: Captain Steyn also questioned Henri at the scene. Malan says he was not present at the time. Many officers heard that Captian Steyn was speaking to Henri in the ambulance.

10:33: When they left the scene, Henri had already given his version of events to Captain Steyn. Malan says Col Benecke asked that Henri be taken to the district surgeon to document his wounds.

10:34: Botha says Henri says he definitely wasn't wearing a t-shirt, only his boxer shorts. Malan maintains his version, saying Henri was also not wearing any shoes. They went to the police station to collect a J88 form.

10:38: Can't recall collecting evidence bags. Botha says Dr Albertse testified that she had given police swabs. He says if it is what she says happened, then that is the case. He however, can't remember taking evidence bags.

10:38: On Albertse's J88, she indicates he had been wearing pajama bottoms.

10:41: Malan says he can't say that she had made a mistake, but he recalled he had been wearing a t-shirt. What colour? Malan can't recall; it happened 2 years ago. Long or short sleeves? Definitely short sleeves, he says. Can't recall if it had any writing on it.

10:43: Malan says when they arrived, his partner went to speak to Dr Albertse, he waited with Henri. Henri then went into the room to note his injuries. Sgt. Adams was with the doctor and Henri, Malan had been waiting in the waiting area.

10:45: Botha says Henri told him both officers were with them in the room when Albertse examined him. Malan says the room was too small.

10:46: He says he doesn't know what happened in the examination room. He can't say if Henri was treated. Malan says he doesn't know of Dr Albertse being asked if Henri's injuries could be self-inflicted.

10:46: They left De Zalze just after 11:00. We arrived just after 8:00 and had been there for a while. What I remember is that we left just after 11:00.

10:47: Botha says Dr Albertse noted they had been at her room at 10:30. Malan concedes, saying that he accepts her version. Henri was told to accompany you to a doctor, Botha tells Malan. Malan confirms this.

10:50: Where did you see him the first time? Outside the ambulance, Malan says. Botha says he was originally wearing white socks, grey pyjama bottoms and the boxer shorts. Malan says he doesn't know about this.

10:52: They had driven in a sedan car, Malan says, after Henri in his version said they had been in a double-cab bakkie. Henri had been in the back seat.

10:53: Henri said they had told him they were taking him for treatment, Malan says they told him it's to have his wounds documented. Botha says they asked him the race of his attacker. Malan says they asked for a description.

10:54: Botha says Henri said he only saw one, and the person was black.
Botha says they told him that Marli had been given a drug, which makes her wide awake and telling us everthing. Malan says this was never said.

10:54: He asked about his family and no details were given to him, Botha says. Malan says this never happened.

10:55: Botha asks what the purpose of documenting his wounds was. Malan says for victim's wounds to be included in the investigation. J88 would form part of evidence.

10:57: Malan says he didn't know the seriousness of his wounds.

11:01: Major Mathee was media spokesperson who dealt with media queries. Botha says his uncle Andre Du Toit said Major Mathee introduced herself to them at the scene, and told them to contact her if they had any questions.

11:01: Henri had already left by then.

11:03: They were told that Marli had been taken to Stellenbsoch Mediclinic. Malan can't recall this. They arrived at the police staion just after 12:00, Malan said.

11:03: Dr Albertse says they left station just after 11:00, Botha says. Could it have been earlier? He says it could be.

11:04: Henri was left in an office, officers coming and going. Malan says there are about 4 investigating officers at the offices.

11:04: Henri said he was still only dressed in his boxer shorts. Malan says during Col Benecke interview with Henri, he had been wearing long pants.

11:06: He understands the family arrived and this is where he got it. We had been standing in the office, someone let us know that the family was there, Adams left the room and I left too. When we came back, the victim was dressed this way.

11:07: Malan says he was wearing long pants and t-shirt. He was wearing flip-flops. The family wanted to see Henri, and their request was denied, Botha says. They then phoned Mathee, and told her they may not see Henri.
Malan says he doesn't know about this.

11:08: Botha says while sitting there, he was given cigarettes and allowed to smoke. At one stage an officer came with food and drinks for officers, and he was given a Coke. Then taken to another office, Col Benecke's, says the aircon was set on cold.

11:09: Malan says the office wasn't cold. The windows were open, Malan says. He doesn't know if there is air-conditioning in Benecke's office.

11:10: Benecke described by Henri as a big man, saying he didn't introduce himself, just poured a Coke, said 'I dont believe a word of your ******** story'. Malan said he didn't hear that.

11:11: Malan says Benecke introduced himself and said he was going to ask him some questions. Malan says he wasn't warned of his rights because it wasn't necessary. He was seen as a victim.

11:14: Was he asked to repeat his version? Not the whole version, Malan says. If Colonel had questions, he was asked about it. Malan was instructed to take the statement.

11:16: Henri says during the repeating of his version, there were occasions where he wasn't sure of things like times. Col Benecke would then suggest and ask if it could be 03:00. Malan says Benecke asked the time, and asked what had happened. Henri gave all the details himself.

11:17: Botha says he told Benecke that he had only seen one of the attackers, and had heard others. Malan says Henri only mentioned one.
Botha says he said he had only seen one. Malan says he never spoke of other people in the house.

11:22: Botha says Henri made it clear that he had heard another person, although he saw only one. Malan says he didn't mention another person.

11:22: Tea break.

11:50: Henri claims that Benecke said 'Marli was telling them everything', asking if his version would be the same as hers. Malan says he has no knowedge of this.

11:52: Henri says Benecke asks why he didn't help his brother when attacker attacked him with the axe. Henri became emotional, cried. Malan says it could have happened when he wasn't present.

11:52: Benecke was also at scene that morning. Apparently asked Andre du Toit how the family's relationship was. Du Toit said it was good, suspects he may had wanted to know if there was an arrangement.

11:54: Malan says he didn't ask Henri that. Malan says his task had been to take his statement.

11:55: He says Henri wore a t-shirt from Dr Albertse's room to the police station. Botha says Mr Du Toit and his wife were the only family members at scene. They say they didn't give him long pants.

11:55: Botha says clothes were given to Malan (board shorts, flip flops and a t-shirt) while he was typing Henri's statement.

11:56: Malan says this is not true.

11:56: Henri later arrived at the Reade-Jahn's home dressed in the board shorts, t-shirt and flip flops. Malan says he doesn't know. Bianca van der Westhuizen's (who Botha calls Henri's then-girlfriend) mother had bought it for him.

11:57: Malan says he doesn't know of this.

11:57: Henri's statement taken at 2:20. Malan confirms this. He can't remember if Henri gave his version of events more than once.

11:59: Henri was asked if he had taken any drugs before the murders. Malan says he doesn't know of this. Dr Van Zyl said she was told by two officers that night that Henri was alleged accused.

12:00: Botha says it would be strange to draw blood of a witness.
To check for drugs or alcohol. Malan says it would be.

12:03: If it's not a witness, and it's an accused, it could be relevant whether the person has alcohol or drugs in it. That's correct, Malan responds.

12:05: Refers to statement, Botha says there is a number of spelling and language errors. Malan confirms there are spelling errors.

12:06: 'All of us was' - Botha points out in paragraph 3. His client says this was definitely not English he would use, Botha says. Malan says there are errors. Botha asked if he paraphrased. Malan says he was objective, used every word Henri gave. He never added his own words.

12:08: Botha says if there was a recording, these are the words we would hear. Malan says yes.

12:09: Malan says he may have typed incorrectly. Spelling and language errors only.

12:15: Botha asks Malan if after he finished the statement, if he gave Henri an opportunity to read it on the PC. Botha asks Malan if after he finished the statement, if he gave Henri an opportunity to read it on the PC. Yes, Malan says. Henri says he saw there were language and spelling errors, but he wanted to go home and just signed it.
Malan says he printed it and that is the version Henri read.

12:16: He was asked to sign, but before signing he asked if he needed a lawyer. Malan ostensibly asked 'Why? Are you guilty? Malan denied this. When Malan was done, he left the room, and Henri left to join his family. Henri's statement was certified.

12:17: Was anything given to him to eat? No, Malan says. He says Henri didn't ask for anything.

12:19: Botha asks Malan to look at the statement of his actions that day. Taken September 2015. Why wait so long? Botha asks. During investigation he was asked to do it, Malan says.

12:24: Asks him about how he recalled the times of his interaction with Henri. Malan says he had to look in his pocket book. He says the administrative section has it. Botha asks for copies, Malan says he will supply it to the court.

14:26: A copy of Malan's pocket book has been obtained.

14:32: Tuesday 27 January 2015 - one entry reads that he returned to the crime scene. Malan says it was an error.

14:36: Botha puts the question to Malan again. Desai tells Botha he is not allowed to bully a witness. Tells him to question him with due courtesy.

14:44: Henri's statement has not yet been admitted as evidence. Only sections which are mentioned during cross examination may be reported, Desai says.

14:46: He says the words were as he understood it. Malan is Afrikaans speaking.

14:50: Henri said the suspect slightly taller than him, Botha says, but Malan entered that the suspect was 1.86m tall.

14:50: Botha says his client gave his own height, and said the suspect was slightly taller. Malan maintains that this is what Henri told him.

15:03: Botha says Malan's verson is not correct in terms of what Henri told him. Where the statement refers to specific times, he didn't give times and that Benecke had asked him about times by estimating, Botha says.

15:04: Botha says Henri told Benecke of a second person, but that this hadn't been included in his statement.

15:06: He also didn't give an exact height for the attacker, only said that the person was taller than him, Botha says.

15:10: Henri apparently saw the spelling and language errors but didn't take it further as he wanted to leave as quickly as possible. Malan says he went through the statement on screen, it was printed and Henri signed.

Court adjourns, with Andre du Toit - Henri's uncle - to testify in the morning.

 

[Whip]

how is the advocate basically allowed to testify for the defendant? the "Henri says" during witness questioning seems to amount to the same.

 

[Octavo]

how is the advocate basically allowed to testify for the defendant? the "Henri says" during witness questioning seems to amount to the same.

I believe Botha is reading from Henri's sworn affidavit which is evidence before the court.

P.s. Many thanks Ampulla of Vater

 

[Octavo]

Day 20

Cast
Siraj Desai: Judge.
Botha: Advocate for the defence.
Susan Galloway: Prosecutor.

Andre du Toit: Teresa van Breda's brother

Summary
A boring day - the state calls Andre du Toit to testify to the events that morning and Henri's reactions/behaviour/clothing - this all has to do with the admisibility of Henri's statement. I believe the defence's case is that Henri was not warned of his rights and thus his statement is inadmissable...

Highlights
Andre was called by Boet Grobler (the estate manager). He arrived that morning to yellow tape and police. Col Benecke approached him.
He introduced himself; I had never met him before.
His first words were "Hoe was die familie?" <How was the family?>
I didn't know what he meant by that.
I replied that I don't know of any problems.
He turned around and returned to his duties.
Major Renee Mathee introduced herself and gave me her contact number.
Andre then tried to see Marli, but she was in no condition to be seen. He was not allowed to see Henri either.
They met later at the Reade-Jahn home, Henri in a t-shirt, board shorts and flip flops.
It was emotional. We didnt' talk a lot. We know when he speaks fast, he stutters. He speaks slowly. We hugged and cried. He says Henri also cried.

There is some back and forth around who knew whom and the order of events that morning (yawn).

Galloway asking if he was present during the testimony of the two doctors. He says he was.
He doesn't agree that Henri didn't need stitches.
Dr Van Zyl described him as calm, not emotional as du Toit recalls.
When he returned the second time he was more reserved. Du Toit agrees that it's different to his behaviour when he saw him.

The matter is stood down until tomorrow and Andre is excused.

Article

 

[Ampulla of Vater]

Do you get the feeling the uncle thinks Henri is guilty? I mean it sounds as if he was trying to help him out by saying he was very emotional and not as the Dr. described him.

 

[Samson]

This link contains the full audio of the call and some speculation as to motive if he did it.

http://citizen.co.za/opinion/opinion-columns/1530453/if-henri-did-it-why-did-he-do-it/

 

[Vixen]

Van Breda: Did he do it?

Henri Van Breda is currently on trial in South Africa for the axe murder of his mother, father and elder brother.

He claims a couple of masked black intruders did it.

Is there any chance at all he'll be acquitted?

The 23-year-old, who was 20 at the time of the murders, has claimed that a laughing, axe-wielding intruder wearing a balaclava and gloves, was behind the January 2015 attacks that left his parents, Teresa and Martin, and his brother Rudi dead. His sister, Marli, who was 16 at the time, was severely injured and has retrograde amnesia which rendered her unable to testify in the trial.

http://weeklyxpose.co.za/2017/11/07/blood-spots-get-shoes-judge-van-breda-murder-trial/

 

[Rolfe]

No idea. The story sounds a bit implausible, but this is South Africa.

Either way, it may be impossible to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, in which case he will be acquitted even if he did it.

 

[Vixen]

If he really did this and he really did wait 4 hours to call the cops, WHY would he leave Marli alive? She's awake now and I assume the cops have or are interviewing her extensively. If Henri did it, she's going to know about it.

I mean, the way the news is written, it's a slam-dunk, but none of it makes sense. Why leave Marli alive? Why wait so long to call the cops? Did he try and fake evidence in that time or move the bodies or what? What was he doing?

Also, note how the articles all use unnamed sources close to the investigation. One has to wonder just how much of it is honest and unbiased.

If the motive is a Jeremy Bamber-style 'I want the inheritance money and want it now', then having finished off Mum, Dad and Big Brother, may have seemed sufficient.

Maybe he really believed, like Oscar and Knox that the police would buy the 'the Black guy did it' line.

 

[Samson]

If the motive is a Jeremy Bamber-style 'I want the inheritance money and want it now', then having finished off Mum, Dad and Big Brother, may have seemed sufficient.

Maybe he really believed, like Oscar and Knox that the police would buy the 'the Black guy did it' line.

It certainly does fit into that nexus. And I hold the view that there must be sufficient evidence when studied in the correct way to establish if it was the intruder or Henri, the truth can be eluted.

As an aside Vixen, David Bain's family was shot by Robin Bain and Jeremy Bamber's family was shot by sister Sheila Caffel. In those cases the only explanation that made sense of point blank gunshots to wide awake people in perfect suicide trajectory was self inflicted gun shots.
I expect there is evidence here probably implicating young Henri.

 

[Vixen]

It certainly does fit into that nexus. And I hold the view that there must be sufficient evidence when studied in the correct way to establish if it was the intruder or Henri, the truth can be eluted.

As an aside Vixen, David Bain's family was shot by Robin Bain and Jeremy Bamber's family was shot by sister Sheila Caffel. In those cases the only explanation that made sense of point blank gunshots to wide awake people in perfect suicide trajectory was self inflicted gun shots.
I expect there is evidence here probably implicating young Henri.

There is no way Sheila Caffel could have shot herself at that angle.

 

[Vixen]

Three years later, after the police delayed making charges and the defence stalled for as long as possible, we now have a resolution at last.

Found guilty on all three counts of murder, mum, Teresa, dad, Martin, brother, Rudi and attempted murder of sister, Marli, left brain-damaged.

Desai also noted the axe and a knife used in the attack were both kept in the house.

He said it was 'peculiar' that an attacker would butcher an entire family, but leave one person in the corner of the room before going after him.

Another 'odd' detail, Desai said, was why such a hardened killer as Breda described would have fled after being disarmed, despite more weapons being in the house.

The judge questioned why Van Breda did not immediately call for help afterwards, but instead called his girlfriend and slept.

Good point. If the burglar/s arrived unarmed, why take an axe already in place downstairs, upstairs. Van Breda claims to have disarmed him, hence the weapon still being on the property. Then leave unarmed, when having been extremely violent and angry, there were any number of other weapons to finish off the one surviving family member, Henri.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-allegedly-murdering-family-South-Africa.html

on Monday, Judge Siraj Desai swept his argument aside, finding him guilty on three counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of misleading justice.