Van Breda defence tears DNA evidence to shreds

Hendri Van Breda is on trial for the murder of his parents and older brother, and the attempted murder of his younger sister.

The trial of murder accused Henri van Breda has been postponed for the week.

Van Breda is on trial for the murder of his parents and older brother, and the attempted murder of his younger sister.

The incident took place in their family home in January 2015 on the De Zalza Golf Estate near Stellenbosch in the Cape.

The accreditation of a state forensic lab and DNA discovered in a shower have come into question.

Eyewitness News reporter Monique Mortlock has more on the developing story.

Yesterday, the defence made it clear from the outset that what they are going to do is not necessarily present new evidence but try to show that there are holes in the state's forensic evidence.

Monique Mortlock, EWN reporter

DNA expert Dr Antonel Olckers has told the court during her analysis of Otto's report, she discovered the Forensic Science Laboratory didn't always follow standard operating procedures.

Olckers basically argued that Lieutenant Sharlene Otto, chief forensic analyst tested about 216 DNA samples that were found at the crime scene, and Olckers tore the evidence that was presented to the court to shreds within the first hour.

Monique Mortlock, EWN reporter

Mortlock says the defence argued some the DNA evidence presented by the state is invalid.

Today she reiterated that and elaborated on how many samples were invalid.

Monique Mortlock, EWN reporter

Click on the link below to listen to the full audio....

More from Local