Pretoria - Henri van Breda attended the memorial service in Pretoria for his parents and brother who were axed to death in their high-security home last week, but was shielded from the media.
His uncle, André van Breda, speaking outside the Moreleta Park church, said the family needed to protect Henri.
“For obvious reasons Henri is very heartbroken, and we will support him as the family. We as family are here for him, we will not disappoint him,” he said.
“I promise Henri I won’t drop him,” he added.
Earlier reports had said police were reluctant to allow Henri to fly to Pretoria during the current stages of the investigation.
The 20-year-old survived the attack in which his parents, Martin and Teresa, and older brother Rudi were hacked to death at their De Zalze Golf Estate home on Tuesday last week.
His younger sister survived the attack with severe injuries to the brain and a severed jugular vein. “She is getting better every day, she is moving her eyes to follow instructions,” André van Breda said.
The service was attended by family and friends, some who had come from Australia to pay their last respects. André said his brother had been a guide, a partner.
“He was always calm and structured… South Africa has lost a brother and partner in him.”
Martin was described as a dedicated, strong and disciplined parent, friend and business partner.
Paul Henning spoke of the friendship they had enjoyed for 30 years, and said: “He was the epitome of how a man should live his life and family life.”
The memorial service was held in Pretoria where the family had lived before moving to Australia. They moved back to South Africa and the estate in June last year.
Henri escaped the attack with minor bruises and scratches on his arms, while his 16-year-old sister has had surgery and intensive- care treatment following the attack.
She has been under constant police guard to avoid undue influence on the statement she will make when she gets well enough to talk. No family members are being allowed in – only doctors and the police have access to her.
After the attack, Henri was able to put a call through to emergency services and report the attack by a “man with an axe”.
Police and estate security reported that there were no signs of forced entry, and neighbours added that the family had had no visitors that evening. Reports also surfaced that the family dog was present during the attacks but did not bark, and no noise was heard coming from the Van Breda house.
The girl was taken to hospital and rushed into theatre for surgery to her injuries.
On Thursday, her uncle said the teenagerwas recovering every day. “I received a call this morning and they were asking for permission to move her from the ICU into a bigger ward, where they will start with physical training.”
He thanked all who had supported the family through the tragedy, and said it was in God’s hands. “What happened was something we had not envisaged, but it is in God’s hands,” he said. “To his wife and kids, we will embrace our memories and keep you in our hearts forever.”
Pretoria News