The 21-year-old appeared in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where he was released on bail of R100 000.

The State did not oppose his release.

Advocate Pieter Botha, for Van Breda, said his client was not a flight risk and co-operated with police during their investigation of the gruesome murder of his mother, father and brother and attempted murder of his sister.

Botha said Van Breda handed himself over at the Stellenbosch police station on Monday when he was informed of the police's intent to arrest him.

Magistrate Lungelo Jumba agreed that Van Breda was not likely to abscond. The student was instructed to leave his passport in the possession of the police and to stay within the province during his trial.

Van Breda, wearing a black coat and cream-colour pants, smiled at his family when he entered the court.

His family and loved ones occupied the first row of the gallery.

After his bail was granted, he nodded at them and gave a brief smile as he left the dock.

The arrest comes almost a year and a half after Martin van Breda, his wife Teresa and son Rudi were hacked to death with an axe at De Zalze Golf Estate in the early hours of Tuesday, January 27, 2015.

Daughter Marli, who was 16 at the time, and Henri, then 20, were the only surviving members of the attack.

Henri further faces a case of obstruction of justice.

He is expected to appear in the high court on September 9.

- News24.com