Perth family slaughtered in South Africa
Three members of a former Perth family have been slain in their home in a brutal attack that left a fourth family member, a teenager, fighting for her life.
Martin van Breda, 54, Teresa van Breda, 55, and their son Rudi van Breda, 22, were found dead at their home in the exclusive De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate in the Stellenbosch region, east of Cape Town, on Tuesday.
Mr and Mrs van Breda's daughter Marli, 16, a former Presbyterian Ladies' College pupil, was in a critical condition in hospital last night.
The couple's younger son Henri van Breda, 20, was injured and has been questioned by police as a witness.
Western Cape police spokesman Andre Traut said yesterday that no arrest had been made.
Emergency medical services spokesman Robert Daniels told South African media the victims had been killed with an axe.
"What I can say is they were not shot, the patients were axed," he said.
Police at the exclusive compound where the bodies were found.
"The daughter was rushed to hospital with severe head trauma and a severed jugular.
"The other son had minor bruises on his arms. He was treated at the scene."
As the tragic news crossed the Indian Ocean, those who knew the family in WA spoke of their shock and distress.
Tom Leisk paid tribute to his former Scotch College classmate Rudi on his Facebook page.
"Devastated with the news I have received," he wrote.
"RIP Rudi, your (sic) going to truly missed, my friend."
Afif Norzal wrote this morning: "You are a true blue genuine mate my friend. At times when I didn't have anyone to talk to, you would definitely make me feel the most welcome and always cracking me up regardless. I am going to miss you my good friend, I wished we would not part this way but I guess I don't really have a choice. Rus in vrede Rudi. I will always love you."
Shota Konno wrote: "Rudi van Breda my brother, sorry to hear this. It was an honor knowing you and I am proud to say that I had good time at Scotch with you. Miss you buddy, rest in peace
Martin van Breda, 55, with his wife Theresa, 54.Picture:Facebook
Charmaine Le Roux, whose daughter Siobhan went to school with Marli, saw the family only 10 days ago in South Africa.
"They were very committed to their kids, especially Teresa," she said. "Everything was about the kids. Martin obviously worked hard but I would say they were a very close family and did lots of things together.
"They were a very special family."
Mr van Breda was a successful businessman, involved in property development. The family lived in Perth for several years, mainly in Claremont, before moving to Queensland about two years ago and then back to South Africa last year, so Mr van Breda could pursue business opportunities.
Retha Dutton, a close friend of Mrs van Breda in Perth, saw the family two weeks ago in South Africa and said they seemed "settled and very happy".
"Teresa was the most soft and gentle person I ever knew and they had fantastic beautiful bright children," she said. "They were happy great people."
