Reeva Steenkamp’s father says Oscar Pistorius will have to live with his conscience

Barry Steenkamp, Reeva Steenkamp’s father, has said Oscar Pistorius “will have to live with his conscience” over the killing of his daughter.

Barry Steenkamp was speaking a day after Oscar Pistorius was freed on bail pending his trial.

Oscar Pistorius, 26, admits shooting Reeva Steenkamp, 29, but denies murder, saying he mistook her for an intruder.

“If it didn’t happen the way he says it did he must suffer and he will suffer,” Barry Steenkamp told Beeld newspaper.

“It does not matter how much money he has and how good his legal team is, he will have to live with his conscience,” Barry Steenkamp said.

“But if he speaks the truth, I can perhaps someday forgive him,” he added.

Reeva Steenkamp was a model and law graduate with a burgeoning television career.

The model was shot dead in the toilet of Oscar Pistorius’s home in the early hours of February 14 – Valentine’s Day.

Oscar Pistorius admits firing the shots through a locked door but says he thought he was firing at an intruder, not the woman he says he loved.

The Paralympic champion was released on bail on Friday after eight days in police custody.

A magistrate ruled that the state had not made a case that he would flee, or that he had a violent character.

The next hearing is set for June 4.

Oscar Pistorius is currently staying at his uncle’s house in the upmarket suburb of Waterkloof in Pretoria.

His uncle said the athlete wanted to “reach out” to Reeva Steenkamp’s family.

Reeva Steenkamp’s mother June told Beeld that she had received a bouquet of flowers from the Pistorius family.

“But what does it mean?” she asked.

“Nothing.”

Oscar Pistorius’ brother, Carl, has tweeted, thanking everyone who has prayed for both families.