Van Breda unable to 'concoct a fabrication'
The High Court in Cape Town has heard that triple murder accused, Henri van Breda, could not have fabricated the events of the night of his family's killing.
Neurologist, Dr James Butler, told the court that Van Breda experienced an "acutely disturbed state of mind" which led to a breakdown in the brain functions which activate deception.
Van Breda is on trial for the murder of his parents and brother and the attempted murder of his sister at their home in Stellenbosch in 2015.
Butler said because of the epileptic seizure suffered by Van Breda on the night of the murders, he could not have fabricated a story as "his brain was dysfunctional".
"There is compelling evidence that he had an epileptic seizure on the night of the murders. He has epilepsy since early 2015. You should also avoid drinking substantial quantities of alcohol, lack of sleep and try to avoid extreme stress."
ALSO READ: Henri van Breda trial postponed after epilepsy diagnosis
Butler says the delirium van Breda experienced had a severe effect on his brain.
"To deceive, as part of the process, one needs a working memory, using the information at your disposal and devise a plan. This requires cognitive skills and a higher order process system and therefore if there is a little trouble in the brain, it breaks down."
"When the brain is not working well, you are highly unlikely to be able to concoct a story, " Butler testified.