Kimberley, Northern Cape - Residue tests were done on a 16-year-old boy when he reported a triple murder on a Griquatown farm, the Northern Cape High Court heard on Tuesday.
Northern Cape Judge President Frans Kgomo was hearing evidence in the boy's murder trial.
He is accused of killing farmer Deon Steenkamp, 44, his wife Christelle, 43, and daughter Marthella, 14, on the farm Naauwhoek, near Griquatown, on April 6, 2012.
Crime scene investigation unit commander Lieutenant Andre McAnda said he began collecting evidence at the Griquatown police station, where the murders were reported.
He said he did so at the request of investigator Colonel Dick de Waal, who arrived with him at the police station.
McAnda said a primary residue test was done on the boy. A request was also made to collect other exhibits.
Referring to a photo album handed to the court, McAnda said all evidence under discussion was collected at the police station, where De Waal spoke to the boy.
At the police station, the investigators recorded vehicles, a firearm and six cartridges, a .22 rifle, a pair of shorts, and a maroon and green T-shirt. The court heard that a blood swab that was taken had gone missing.
McAnda said the investigator wanted the shorts because there was blood on them. He testified he did not immediately collect them, because the boy had a reasonable explanation for the blood.
“He helped the (girl) in the house.”
Proceedings were delayed briefly by another media application to cover the case. - Sapa