The Henri Van Breda Ax Murders

On January 27, 2015, Henri Van Breda murdered his father, mother, and younger brother with an ax. He attempted to murder his 16-year-old sister with the ax although she survived her injuries.

Motive

The motive behind the attack is unknown more than six years later, although it's speculated that Henri killed his family to inherit multi-million dollar life insurance proceeds.

Others have a different theory for the murders, speculating Henri felt that he could not live up to the expectations set forth by his family.

Whatever the reason, Henri attacked his family inside their Stellenbosch, South Africa home on that fateful day and will now spend the rest of his life behind bars while his surviving sister deals with a lifetime of recovery and trauma.

He blamed the attack on a Black man who he claimed broke into the home to steal valuables. Henri himself sustained only minor injuries while the rest of the family sustained horrific injuries.

The Murders

Martin Van Breda died from severe head injuries, which included chop wounds on the back of his head. Blood was found in his lungs, indicating he did not immediately die from his injuries. Martin did not show any defensive wounds on his hands or body.

Teresa Van Breda dies from sharp, blunt force trauma to the head. Police noticed “several loose skull fragments” when they arrived on the scene. Her body showed defensive wounds, although she died faster than Martin. No blood was found in her lungs.

Rudi Van Breda died from chop wounds sustained to the left side of his neck and temple and the left and central upper part of the scalp. Police also noticed loose bone fragments upon entering the crime scene. He had a pool of blood in his stomach, indicating he did not instantly die. The autopsy revealed a deep laceration to the brain.

Henri Van Breda attacked his 16-year-old sister, Marli, as well. The teen suffered “chop wounds to the head” and sustained severe blood loss, yet miraculously survived the attack. She was diagnosed with retrograde amnesia and cannot remember the night of the attack.

Henri told police the Black man broke into the home and attacked him and his family. He claimed he wrestled the attacker to the ground and was stabbed in the process. Henri’s story seemed plausible to police but 18-months after the crime, he remained their only suspect.

Charged With Murder

Police charged Henri with the murders in June 2016. He was released on bail a short time later.

His trial began in 2017. The court heard how Henri’s injuries were self-inflicted, told of inconsistencies in his statement(s) to police, and how there were no signs of forced entry as well as valuables left in plain sight in the downstairs area of the house.

A security expert testified at the trial that “not even Houdini” could have broken into the Van Breda home. Located in a lavish gated community, the home included 24-hour monitoring, surveillance cameras, an electric fence, guard patrol, and access control gates. Additionally, the area is considered to be one of the safest in South Africa.

The court also learned Henri did not call emergency services until more than three hours after the attack. Van Breda testified in court the shock of finding his family caused him to pass out, rendering him unconscious for that time.

Van Breda Found Guilty

Finally, in 2018, Van Breda was found guilty of all three homicides after a 67-day trial. He was also found guilty of attempted murder and obstruction of justice, earning him an additional 15 years and 12-months behind bars, respectively. The sentences will run concurrently. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial.

Resources & More Information:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-44359696