Van Breda trial postponed
It is reportedly expected for the trial to run until the end of the second term.
Western Cape High Court Judge Siraj Desai postponed the trial of Henri Van Breda – who faces three counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice – to April 24.
African News Agency reports that the appeal regarding live media streaming of the court proceedings, which would be heard on an urgent basis, would be heard before the trial resumes, possibly as early as next week in the Supreme Court of Appeals in Bloemfontein.
Earlier on Monday, Judge Desai had ruled that Media24 could livestream the proceedings, but this decision was appealed by both the State and defence. The ruling was thereafter suspended.
According to News24, the State asked the court for more time to speak to witnesses, who did not want their testimonies to be livestreamed. It was further reported that, according to Van Breda’s lawyer, they were ready for the trial and, according to African News Agency, were awaiting original photographs from the crime scene and additional DNA reports.
It is reportedly expected for the trial to run until the end of the second term.
African News Agency reports that the 22-year-old Van Breda is accused of murdering his mother, father and brother at their home in the De Zalze Estate in the Western Cape in January 2015.
Further, his then 16-year-old sister, Marli, survived the attack with severe brain injuries and memory loss, reports the African News Agency.
– Caxton News Service
