Relatives of Marli van Breda, the teenager who was severely injured when her parents and eldest brother were killed in an axe attack in January, continued to visit her at a specialist rehabilitation centre in Cape Town this week.
Among them was a special guest - Sasha, the family dog. The family pet was taken to Spescare in Strand, near Cape Town, by Marli's maternal uncle and aunt, Andre and Sonja du Toit, on Thursday.
The Du Toits declined to comment when approached.
The family pet was in the house during the attack, but was unharmed. Sasha usually slept in the parents' bedroom or in one of the children's rooms.
The Du Toits received special permission from the exclusive clinic to bring the dog for a visit.
It is hoped that seeing him would bring a smile to Marli's face and contribute to her recovery. The long-haired mixed-breed pooch was led into the clinic on a pink lead.
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Marli's boyfriend, James Reade-Jahn, has been a regular visitor since she was transferred from hospital to the centre two weeks ago.
Still under police guard, Marli is undergoing physical and speech therapy after she suffered horrific head and neck injuries. Her jugular vein was almost severed.
Advocate Martin Coetzee, who is representing Marli, said on Friday that her family have decided not to issue statements on her condition.
"The neurologist says we'll only be certain [of her condition] in the next few years. That's why we now refer to it as a brain injury," he said.
Marli has not been able to make a statement to the police. Her brother, 20-year-old Henri, has not been to visit her.
Martin and Teresa van Breda and their eldest son, Rudi, 22, were killed in the brutal attack.
It also emerged this week that Henri, who had been staying with the Du Toits, has moved in with other family members.
eggingtons@sundaytimes.co.za
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