Van Breda family murder trial delayed by DNA evidence

The trial of a man accused of murdering his parents and brother, and the attempted murder of his sister, with an axe in South Africa has been delayed as the defence awaits DNA evidence.

Henri Van Breda's triple murder trial was to commence in the Cape Town Supreme Court on Monday, but the 22-year-old's lawyers requested a delay as they await the DNA evidence from the alleged murder weapon.

Mr Van Breda presented himself to police last September where he was charged with murdering his father Martin, 54, a wealthy businessman, his mother Teresa, 55, and his older brother Rudi, 22, with an axe at a luxury estate on South Africa's western cape.

The alleged attack occurred on January 27, 2015 shortly after the family had returned to their native South Africa in 2014 after living in Perth.

Mr Van Breda is also accused of the attempted murder of his younger sister Marli, 16, left for dead on the balcony following the frenzied attack.

She suffered a cut to her jugular and severe head injuries but survived.

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The teen is currently living with other members of her extended family but is unable to recall the incident having suffered amnesia in the attack.

The case has been postponed until April 24. Mr Van Breda remains on bail but is prevented from contacting witnesses and his sister.

He is also barred from going within 500 metres of air and sea ports.

According to police reports, the accused was found sitting outside the home where the murders occurred, wearing shorts with socks that were covered in the blood of the victims.

He was taken for questioning, and police later brought him back to the murder scene where they found a bloodstained axe and kitchen knife.

Mr Van Breda was later released into the care of his uncle.

On the day of the attack Mr Van Breda spoke to his girlfriend on the phone at 4am but did not call emergency services until three hours later.

A recording of van Breda phoning the emergency services emerged in which he can be heard telling the operator: "My family and me were attacked by a guy with an axe."

- With AP