A Western Cape teenager who was one of two people to survive a horrific axe attack that claimed the lives of her parents and another sibling, has been discharged from a rehabilitation centre after several weeks of treatment.
Sixteen-year-old Marli Van Breda and her 20-year old brother Henri are the only survivors of an axe attack in which her father Martin, mother Teresa and 22-year old brother Rudi were killed in their home in the De Zalze estate in Stellenbosch in January.
Marli's skull was fractured and she sustained extensive brain trauma which necessitated neurosurgery.
She was in a medically-induced coma for several days.
According to a statement Sunday, "Marli is able to walk, can communicate well but has retrograde amnesia and cannot recall anything about the brutal axe attack."
Her medical team says "this is not strange and commonly occurs with patients who have suffered such traumatic experiences. In some cases the situation remains for life. A long road of rehabilitation lies ahead as she learns to compensate for certain neurocognitive difficulties resulting from her traumatic brain injury," the statement said.
"The South African Police Services are physically protecting her, as no arrest has yet been made in connection with the murders. Marli has not been able to make a formal statement."
"Her biggest challenges of all are most probably coming to terms with the inestimable loss of her immediate family, reintegrating into everyday society and rebuilding her life. The therapy Marli is currently receiving includes physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy and psychological counseling. She is enjoying visits from close school friends as part of her re-entry into society," the statement added.
Marli has, temporarily, been placed in the care of family friends. All parties and legal representatives concerned reached agreement that a legal curator ("curator ad litem") be appointed to safeguard her best interests and to report to the High Court as to the best way forward for her.
