Triple murder accused Henri van Breda took to the stands Tuesday to give his testimony on the incidents that led to the brutal murders of three family members and the attempted murder of his younger sister in January 2015.
Van Breda told the court of a giggling, axe-wielding intruder that attacked his family in their home on a Stellenbosch estate — but South Africans on social media were not convinced by the accused’s version of events.
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One of the main contentions was van Breda’s clear memory of unnecessary details, but forgetfulness over crucial moments in the case.
#VanBreda can’t recall which policeman said Marli is alive but he recalls that the intruder twisted a knife anti-clockwise
— #LH44-4xWDC (@daz_inc_) October 31, 2017
The excruciating detail of the recollection of the “fight” is absolutely MAD. #Vanbreda
— Benita Davis (@BenitaDavis) October 31, 2017
#VanBreda and ” don’t remember” in this trial are like Duduzane’s father and “*laughing… listen properly” to vital detail information q’s pic.twitter.com/aGLqmdv4Oc
— GOLDIE COLOUR (@Moe_Mphigs) November 1, 2017
The problem with these liars is they trip themselves up by giving excessive and impractical minute detail #VanBreda
— #LH44-4xWDC (@daz_inc_) October 31, 2017
Another issue was that of van Breda’s seemingly calm demeanour, and the suspicious lack of a stutter the defense had cited in an attempt to block cameras from his testimony.
“Very animated facial reactions, ice cold, almost numb, how much of his testimony has been coached to him, looks like he has studied HIS thoughts on the event just to regurgitate it at will (sic),” read a comment on YouTube.
He looks so easy and calm for a person who witnessed he’s family being axed. #VanBreda
— Tshepo Motlhose
(@enigmatic_t) November 1, 2017
Why did he make mention of his stuttering when he didn’t stutter today? #VanBreda
— Trophy Crush (@Chi_Chiboya) October 31, 2017
The case has also been conjuring memories of Oscar Pistorius’s, during which the Olympic sprinter claimed he thought Reeva Steenkamp to be an intruder in his home.
Not only do these defenses highlight South Africa’s crime problem, but its simmering racial tension too.
Spoilt rich young white murderers & that imaginary black intruder! This #VanBreda weirdo learnt from Oscar Pistorius. I blame Judge Masipa.
— Pitso (@pitsotsibs) November 1, 2017
A black man is always a suspect even in his absence, ppl create an imaginary black man just so they have someone to blame #VanBreda
— Collin Shongwe (@CollinsMduduzi) October 31, 2017
There were 5 people in the house. And only 1 black man with an axe. He kills 4 people. Leaves Henri. Laughs, goes away #vanbredapic.twitter.com/Z6HIj9zzof
— Mama Sihle (@Hlengz_) November 1, 2017
I think we found the real suspect pic.twitter.com/QBUaLjEEIL
— Mike Said (@mike_said_what) November 1, 2017
Already convinced of his guilt, many on social media moved to the question of motive.
Henri boy-boy you are as guilty as PoorBaba
. But I’m more fascinated on WHY you killed them? What went wrong? #VanBreda — Vuyi (@vuyi_g) November 1, 2017
Money.
— JellyBean (@Trixx_Ray) November 1, 2017
I just want him to tell us why he snapped. #vanbreda
— Lizelle Alexander (@LizzzzAl) November 1, 2017
The trial, and Henri van Breda’s testimony, continues.
Featured image: screenshot, @Mike_Said_What via Twitter.
