Yesterday was a landmark day for those following the van Breda murder case, which seemed to be dragging on with no end in sight.

At around 3:30PM son Henri handed himself in at the Stellenbosch Police Station (video HERE), with lawyer Lorinda van Niekerk [pictured with Henri below] accompanying him.

This morning he appeared at the Stellenbosch Magistrates’ Court to face his charges – three counts of murder and one of attempted murder.

There were huge delays before Henri made his appearance, but this video of him arriving at court shows the waiting media circus in action:

#Bylmoorde: VIDEO: Henri van Breda (21) het sopas opgedaag. pic.twitter.com/cJBjk46jyg@InkieC#DeZalze

— Netwerk24 Berig (@Netwerk24Berig) June 14, 2016

The live run down as things happened according to News24:

State asks that matter be transferred to high court. The matters are Schedule 5 and 6 offenses…Henri faces 3 murder charges, one of attempted murder as well as one of obstruction of justice.

Pieter Botha [part of Henri’s legal counsel]: Despite charges State does not oppose bail. Legal team has been in contact with police since last year. Found out police planned to arrest him, which is why he handed himself in.

Botha: Henri attended sessions with investigating officers over the past 16 months. His release on bail will not jeopardise case or affect public safety.

Botha: Henri has an aunt in Canada, but all other family is in SA. He has not attempted to abscond. Face well known due to media coverage.

Botha: Provision made for bail of R100 000. Police in possession of his past address as well as where he is currently staying.

[State Prosecutor] Galloway: Bail conditions are he appear at the Western Cape High Court on 9 September. Passport to be handed to SAPS. May not leave the province.

Galloway: May not be in contact to the witnesses in the case. Report to the local police station every Monday and Friday.

Magistrate Lungelo Jumba says it is clear there is no likelihood that the accused will flee or interfere with witnesses. R100 000 bail granted.

Matter transferred to High Court for 9 September.

And boom, just like that Henri was out on bail. On triple murder charges, of his family, with an axe.

Some more chilling updates from the case:

NPA says Henri van Breda faces a charge of defeating the ends of justice, for allegedly tampering with the crime scene.

Axe and kitchen knife found at the crime scene, NPA says.

Henri was wearing sleeping shorts and white socks, blood on this clothing came from deceased, this is why he was charged, NPA says.

Investigation took so long because there were issues to clear up, the NPA wanted to ensure they would be able to argue case strongly when it goes to court, Eric Ntabazalila says.

Considering that the murders took place in January of last year you’d hope they have their ducks in a row by now.

[source:news24]