Four months ago today Capetonians woke to the shocking news that a Stellenbosch family, living in a prestigious gated golfing community had been viciously attacked in what appeared to be an overnight home invasion. Three of the five family members were slain in a most violent and blood-letting manner – – unexpectedly attacked by an unidentified assailant wielding a sharpened axe. In a frenzied encounter, Martin van Breda and his eldest child, Rudi were cut down in one room. Rudi’s mother, Teresa and her only daughter, Marli, were chopped at in another room. Teresa died, while Marli clung to life, her jugular artery severed not quite enough to kill her. She was rushed to hospital, with massive blood loss, a cracked skull and devastating brain injury. The only family member who survived without life-threatening injuries was middle child, Henri van Breda.
That was the news that broke on Tuesday 27th January 2015.
It was horrific.
The community, Cape Town and the country were shocked at the barbaric violence of it. Who could have done this?
Very quickly after the event, the management of the estate, De Zalze released a statement saying there had been no breach of security that night. The murders were committed from within.
It was Henri van Breda who was believed to have alerted police to the house, several hours after the attack. Recent news says when the police arrived, Henri told the officers the “problem” was upstairs. Henri would surely be a key witness to the events that unfolded that dreadful night. Indeed he was taken away for his injuries to be examined. Later a doctor said they were self-inflicted.
The world waited for Henri to be arrested.
Nothing happened.
Marli was operated on and survived. Time ticked by. Her every heartbeat was being monitored. While she slept, her beloved parents and older brother were laid to rest. Henri attended the service.
Over the last four months, Marli has slowly started to recover. Will she ever be the same? I doubt it. Even if she recovers fully from a devastating head trauma, how can things ever be the same when you have had those closest to you cut down in a manic and barbaric attack?
Marli, outwardly looks amazing. Sporting a stylish wig, her latest photo belies the trauma she has endured.
Four months have passed.
Still no arrests.
Henri and Marli have been kept far apart. Henri stayed in the Cape until Marli was discharged and then was moved away. Reports from across the world say they have had no contact since the attack.
The police are staying silent, releasing vague statements such as the case being at a ‘crucial stage’ and the ‘matter is still pending’.
South Africa does not have a good recent cases record of putting murderers behind bars and many fingers are being pointed at the South African Police Service as being incompetent. I always hope for the best, grateful that they don’t have the last say here on earth! God does.
Recently, however, I was drawn to another family murder where there were also survivors. The wealthy Texas Whitaker family were from all outward appearances living the American dream. Kent and Tricia Whitaker lived with their two boys Bart and Kevin in a prestigious neighbourhood and altogether lived a blessed life.
In December 2003 a home invasion left Tricia and Kevin dead, while father Kent and older son Bart survived. Turns out, Bart had set up a ‘hit’ to take out his entire family, so that he could inherit everything. His dad surviving ruined his plans. The whole story is covered by ABC News. The thing that struck me though, is that Bart was only arrested 22 months after the murders. The murders took place December 2003. The arrest was 22nd September 2005.
Wherever you are in the world, sometimes these things take time.
So we wait to see what happens with the van Breda murder case.
All the time we know that it’s not about here and now.
I believe in eternity – one day when we die, life will carry on for our souls. If we believe in Jesus Christ, that life will be lived out in a glorious afterlife.
Romans 10:9
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Does that mean all the things we have done will just be washed away without any recourse? I don’t believe so. The Bible also says, (Romans 14:12)
So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
There must be many murders that have taken place where the perpetrators have seemingly ‘got away with it’, but that may only be true for this side of eternity. One day they, like us, will have to give an account to God.
Sobering stuff.
Live life with no regrets.
God bless you.
In His Grip,
Helga xx