Oscar Pistorius holds private memorial service for Reeva Steenkamp

Oscar Pistorius’ family said on Tuesday that the athlete held a private memorial service for Reeva Steenkamp at his uncle Arnold’s home in Pretoria, where he has been staying since he was freed on bail.

His family has asked for privacy but confirmation of the memorial service came after a leak in the media, Sky News reported today.

A statement by Oscar Pistorius’ representatives said: “This statement is released in response to a leak to the media regarding a planned private memorial service for Reeva Steenkamp.

“Oscar Pistorius, will hold a private memorial service for Reeva Steenkamp at the house of his uncle, Arnold Pistorius, tonight.

“Oscar specifically requested the memorial service as he continues to grieve and remains in deep mourning for the loss of his partner Reeva.

“Since it is such a sensitive issue, Oscar has asked for a private service with people who share his loss, including his family members who knew and loved Reeva as one of their own.

“The Pistorius family would like to make a personal request to the media, to please respect their privacy at their home in Pretoria tonight.”

Also on Tuesday, it was revealed that Desmond Nair, chief magistrate of the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court who presided over the bail hearing, is in mourning after it is believed one of his relatives killed herself and her children.

The bodies of a woman and her two sons were found on Sunday evening at their Johannesburg home by her ex-husband, police warrant officer Balan Muthan said.

Authorities suspect the woman administered a substance that killed her children, and took her own life by ingesting it as well.

“I can confirm the deceased is my first cousin,” Desmond Nair said.

 

Sky News: Pistorius Holds Private Memorial For Reeva