Van Breda family backs Henri all the way

Henri van Breda, who flew from Cape Town to Pretoria yesterday to attend the memorial service for his murdered father, mother and brother, is "heartbroken and traumatised", his uncle said after the service.

André van Breda, the twin brother of multi-millionaire businessman Martin van Breda, said the family would stand behind Henri, 20, "no matter what".

"Henri was here but couldn't face the media," said Andre. "No matter what, we will [support him]. We are his back-up. We will not abandon Henri."

He said Henri's 16-year-old sister, Marli, the only other survivor of the attack in their Stellenbosch estate home, was making "miraculous" progress.

Murdered were Martin, 55, Teresa, 54, and Rudi, 22.

André van Breda said Marli was moved yesterday from Stellenbosch Medi-Clinic's intensive care unit to a bigger room in which she could receive the additional treatment she needed.

"What the doctors and nurses have done is a miracle. What is happening there is part of God's work. Her movements are getting better. She can communicate with her eyes, by blinking.

"Nurses have put up pictures of the family on various holidays and are showering her with love. We are praying that God makes her healthy again. We are asking everyone to pray for her."

Pressure is mounting on the police because of what is being assumed to be a lack of progress in the investigation, 10 days after the murders at the De Zalze Golf Estate.

The police have clammed up. "I am not answering any questions. It's a police investigation not aQ and A session," said spokesman André Traut.

Henri van Breda sustained scratches and bruises in the attack, which occurred a few days after the family celebrated the 91st birthday of his grandmother, Rieka du Toit, Teresa's mother.

Henri was spirited into and out of the Moreleta Park NG Kerk yesterday.

After the service, André said: "It's too terrible to contemplate. Martin, my twin, was our guide. He held our family together with his calmness and patience.

"It's with that calmness and patience that we will embrace and support Marli and Henri."

Martin's close friend, Paul Henning, described the businessman's death as a huge loss "not only for the family, but for all South Africans".

"Not only have we lost a friend, so has South Africa. Martin's contribution to education and to the upliftment of people was immeasurable. Over the next decade he was planning to open 20 schools in poor communities.

"Martin had a passion and was living that passion."