Carlo Petersen and
Sandiso Phaliso
HENRI van Breda, son of slain multimillionaire Martin van Breda, faces three counts of murder and one of attempted murder after handing himself over to police on Monday.
Van Breda, his wife Teresa and their son Rudi were axed to death at their exclusive De Zalze Golf Estate home in Stellenbosch on January 27 last year.
Van Breda family spokesperson Ben Rootman said: “The family has noted the arrest of Henri van Breda for the murders of Martin van Breda, his wife Teresa and their son Rudi. The family chooses not to comment at this stage to allow the law to take its course.”
The 21-year-old will appear in court on Tuesday.
His sister Marli sustained severe head injuries after also being assaulted with an axe.
Henri had scratches on his arms and was treated at the scene at the time of the attack.
After the incident Henri was released into the care of relatives, who hired Stellenbosch lawyer Lorinda van Niekerk from Cluver Markotte to represent him in court.
On Monday, Van Niekerk joined Henri at the Stellenbosch Police Station, where he handed himself over in connection with the attack on his family.
Police spokesperson Andre Traut said: “Our investigation into the three murders and an attempted murder which were perpetrated on the De Zalze estate during January 2015 led to the arrest of a 21-year-old suspect when he handed himself over to the Stellenbosch police at 3.30pm.
“The suspect is due to make a court appearance tomorrow (Tuesday) in Stellenbosch to face three counts of murder and one of attempted murder.”