Sister to piemp

Henri van Breda, who is accused of murdering his parents and brother with an axe, will go on trial in less than two months and his sister is going to be the State’s star witness.

Marli van Breda, who survived the massacre at the family’s Stellenbosch home, is expected to be a key witness.

During a brief court appearance on Friday, 21-year-old Henri heard that he will stand trial in March for the murders of his father Martin, mother Teresa and brother Rudi.

He also faces a charge of attempted murder, in connection with the attack on Marli, 17, and defeating the ends of justice, for allegedly giving police false info during the investigation.

The family was attacked in their luxury De Zalze Estate home in 2015.

Henri, who sported minor injuries, claimed to be one of the victims, while the traumatised Marli reportedly suffered memory loss.

MASSACRE: Theresa and Martin van Breda 'hacked to death' by their son

However, more than a year after the killings, Henri handed himself over to the police. He is currently out on R100 000 bail.

Marli’s neck was slashed and her jugular vein nearly severed during the attack and she also sustained serious brain injuries. The pretty teen is said to have recovered and is back at school where she is in matric.

The evidence against Henri includes blood splatter found on him, which matched that of the deceased, wounds to his body which were allegedly self-inflicted and phone calls he allegedly made to his then-girlfriend and to emergency services.

Marli’s testimony and those of other witnesses are said to be key in the case.

In the last pre-trial hearing in November, the State indicated it was ready for trial, but the defence needed to finalise its expert analysis of the evidence against Henri.

After court proceedings, Henri, flanked by his legal representatives, hurried out of court, reports the Weekend Argus.

The trial begins on March 27.

• Experts hired by 'killer'