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Reeva Steenkamp
A South African forensics expert has swung a cricket bat at a toilet door erected in the courtroom at Oscar Pistorius’ murder trial in Pretoria to demonstrate key pieces of evidence.
Oscar Pistorius, 27, says he mistakenly shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through the door, believing she was a burglar, then broke it down with the bat.
The prosecution says the Paralympic champion tried to beat down the door and then fired the gun.
Oscar Pistorius denies intentionally killing Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, 2013.
Forensic expert Police Colonel Johan Vermeulen also said he thought Oscar Pistorius had hit the door with the bat from a low angle, indicating he was not wearing his prosthetic legs at the time.
This contradicts the athlete’s claim that he had been wearing his artificial limbs.
Correspondents say whether or not Oscar Pistorius was on his prosthetic limbs is important because it could match parts of his story that he accidentally shot Reeva Steenkamp, or expose inconsistencies in it.
The damaged toilet door, with four bullet holes, was examined in the courtroom along with a replica of the toilet cubicle.
The forensics expert has swung a cricket bat at a toilet door erected in the courtroom at Oscar Pistorius’ murder trial
Forensic evidence on the location from which shots were fired, how they were grouped and their trajectory were presented to the court on Wednesday.
Cross-examining, Oscar Pistorius’ defense team asked forensic expert Col. Johan Vermeulen to kneel and lift his feet, which caused him to wobble.
The defense team claimed that Oscar Pistorius therefore would not have been able to balance on his stumps and break down the door using a cricket bat.
Defense lawyer Barry Roux also alleged that police had contaminated the crime scene by stepping on the door.
Col. Johan Vermeulen argued that if Oscar Pistorius was balanced enough to fire a gun, he could also break down a door with a bat.
The forensics expert argued that the angle and location of the marks on the door suggested that they had been caused by someone much shorter than him.
The defense team argued that a mark on the bottom of the door showed where Oscar Pistorius had tried to kick open the door using his prosthetic legs. Col. Johan Vermeulen agreed that this was possible.
“The marks on the door are actually consistent with him not having his legs on and I suspect they must be similar to the height that he was when he fired the shots,” he told the court.
The prosecution argues that Oscar Pistorius hit the door with the cricket bat before the shots were fired, but the defense claims it was the other way round.
The trial is now halfway through its second week.
Earlier on Wednesday, a friend of Oscar Pistorius, Darren Fresco, claimed that the athlete had driven at 124mph and that he had taken a picture of the speedometer to prove it.
The defense team alleged that Darren Fresco was himself driving at the time and had therefore fabricated evidence.
On Tuesday, Oscar Pistorius’ defense team questioned a pathologist’s finding that Reeva Steenkamp had eaten less than two hours before he killed her.
This contradicts Oscar Pistorius’ account that the pair had been in bed for several hours before the shooting.
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Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius was not wearing his prostheses when he broke down a door to reach Reeva Steenkamp after he shot her, his murder trial has heard on the eighth day.
The forensic evidence contradicted Oscar Pistorius’ claim that he was wearing prosthetics at the time.
The door has been brought into court to be examined during the murder trial.
Oscar Pistorius denies intentionally killing Reeva Steenkamp on February 14 last year, saying he fired after mistaking her for a burglar.
A replica of the toilet in which Reeva Steenkamp was shot has been also brought into court.
The court will hear forensic evidence on the location of shooter, the grouping of the shots and their trajectory.
Cross-examining, Oscar Pistorius’ defense team asked the forensic expert to kneel on his knees and lift his feet, which caused him to wobble.
Oscar Pistorius denies intentionally killing Reeva Steenkamp on February 14 last year
The defense team claimed that Mr Pistorius therefore would not have been able to balance on his stumps and break down the door using a cricket bat.
The prosecution witness argued that if Oscar Pistorius, 27, was balanced enough to fire a gun, he could also break down a door with a bat.
The trial is now halfway through its second week, and is expected to feature over 100 witnesses.
Earlier on Wednesday, a friend of Oscar Pistorius claimed that the star had driven at 124mph and that he had taken a picture of the speedometer to prove it.
The defense team alleged that Darren Fresco was himself driving at the time and had therefore fabricated evidence.
The state is seeking to convince the court that Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model, and reality TV star, had an argument before the athlete fired the shots that killed her.
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On the seventh day of Oscar Pistorius trial in Pretoria, his defense team has questioned a pathologist’s finding that Reeva Steenkamp had eaten less than two hours before he killed her.
This contradicts Oscar Pistorius’ account that he and his girlfriend had been in bed for several hours before the shooting.
On Monday, Oscar Pistorius vomited as he listened to the medical testimony.
Oscar Pistorius, 27, denies intentionally killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp and says he mistook her for a burglar.
Dr. Gert Saayman said Reeva Steenkamp had been shot three times, in the head, hip and arm but that he did not know the order of the injuries.
Oscar Pistorius denies intentionally killing Reeva Steenkamp and says he mistook her for a burglar
If she had been shot in the hip or arm first, screaming would have been expected, he said.
Neighbors have previously said they heard a woman screaming but Oscar Pistorius’ defense lawyers argue that the athlete was the only one who screamed.
When pressed by defense lawyer Barry Roux, Dr. Gert Saayman said that there could be an error of “an hour or two” in his estimation of when Reeva Steenkamp last ate.
Judge Thokozile Masipa has ruled that Tuesday’s post-mortem examination testimony could be tweeted but not broadcast live.
The judge had banned live twitter coverage of Monday’s testimony because of its nature.
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Double-amputee Oscar Pistorius vomited in court while a pathologist testified at his murder trial on Monday.
A bucket was placed in the dock before Professor Gert Saayman, who carried out an autopsy on the Paralympic champion’s slain girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, took the stand.
Earlier the judge banned all live broadcast of the autopsy evidence.
Pathologist Gert Saayman successfully argued that broadcasting the details of the report could compromise the “dignity of the deceased”.
Reporters at the scene said Oscar Pistorius was seen “breaking down, loudly gagging, retching” as Gert Saayman spoke and later he threw up.
Oscar Pistorius denies intentionally killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
The Paralympic champion, on trial for murder, denies intentionally killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Oscar Pistorius fired four shots at Reeva Steenkamp through the bathroom door. He says he mistook the 29-year-old model and aspiring lawyer for an intruder.
Gert Saayman used the following arguments to persuade Judge Thokozile Masipa to ban broadcasts of his autopsy report:
- “Very personal nature of the findings”
- “Details of the injuries have the potential to compromise the dignity of the deceased”
- It may “harm the rights” of friends and family of the deceased
- “Goes against the morals of society”
The judge also banned coverage of the details of the autopsy report through Twitter and other social media.
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The sixth day of Oscar Pistorius trial has begun with the questioning of Pieter Baba, a security guard at the Paralympic champion’s home.
Pieter Baba said he had phoned Oscar Pistorius and not the other way round, as the defense team had suggested.
Later on Monday the trial expects to hear from Professor Gert Saayman, a specialist in forensic medicine and the trial’s first expert witness.
On Friday Pieter Baba, a security guard working at Oscar Pistorius’ gated community, spoke of his shock at seeing the athlete carrying a dying Reeva Steenkamp down the stairs at his villa.
Oscar Pistorius could face life imprisonment for killing Reeva Steenkamp
Pieter Baba said he had called Oscar Pistorius in response to neighbors’ reports of gunfire from the house in the early hours of the morning.
The guard said Oscar Pistorius had told him: “Everything is fine,” before calling him back a few minutes later and crying down the phone.
On Monday, Oscar Pistorius’ defense lawyer suggested the athlete had called Pieter Baba first and not the other way round, but the witness stuck to his testimony.
Oscar Pistorius’ lawyer, Barry Roux, then suggested his client had said: “I am fine,” and not: “Everything is fine,” but again the witness said this was not true.
“My Lady, what I just told the court is the truth” Pieter Baba told Judge Thokozile Masipa.
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The fifth day of Oscar Pistorius’ trial in South Africa has begun with his ex-girlfriend Samantha Taylor telling the court the athlete once fired his gun from his car sunroof after becoming angry with police.
Earlier, Samantha Taylor broke down while discussing two breakups with the athlete.
Samantha Taylor said Oscar Pistorius had twice been unfaithful, with the relationship finally ending when he “cheated” on her with Reeva Steenkamp.
Oscar Pistorius denies both murdering Reeva Steenkamp and the alleged shooting incident.
The defense also pointed to emails it said proved the relationship with Samantha Taylor was already over by the time Oscar Pistorius began seeing Reeva Steenkamp.
Samantha Taylor insisted the relationship was not “officially” over when he started dating Reeva Steenkamp.
She also said the alleged shooting incident happened when he became angry after a police officer stopped him for speeding, saw the gun on the car seat and told him it could not be left there.
Samantha Taylor insisted her relationship with Oscar Pistorius was not officially over when he started dating Reeva Steenkamp (photo Getty Images)
Samantha Taylor accepted that he laughed around the time he actually fired the gun.
She testified that Oscar Pistorius kept his gun “on him all the time,” and described him as a man who could get very angry.
On Wednesday, the court heard evidence from boxer Kevin Lerena, about another incident in which Oscar Pistorius is alleged to have fired a gun – in a restaurant – after it was passed to him by another friend in the group. He said Oscar Pistorius asked the gun’s owner to take the blame.
Towards the end of Samantha Taylor’s evidence on Friday, the court was adjourned a second time when she broke down again in the witness box.
After returning, she was asked by the prosecution if there had been other occasions when Oscar Pistorius thought there was an intruder in his house.
Samantha Taylor replied that it had happened at least twice. Crucially, she said he always woke her up before taking his gun with him to check.
Oscar Pistorius claims that he shot Reeva Steenkamp after mistaking her for an intruder.
If found guilty, Oscar Pistorius, 27, could face life imprisonment.
Friday’s trial began with more testimony from neighbor Johan Stipp, who on Thursday told the court he found Oscar Pistorius praying over Reeva Steenkamp’s body as she lay dying.
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Oscar Pistorius was praying over the body of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp as she lay dying, the Paralympic champion’s neighbor Dr. Johan Stipp told his murder trial today.
In the trial’s first account of the moments after the shooting, Johan Stipp said he tried to revive Reeva Steenkamp.
During Dr. Johan Stipp’s testimony, Oscar Pistorius cried and seemed to retch.
The double amputee denies intentionally killing her, saying he mistook Reeva Steenkamp, 29, for an intruder.
If found guilty, 27-year-old Oscar Pistorius could face life imprisonment.
Oscar Pistorius was praying over the body of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp as she lay dying
Dr. Johan Stipp, who was testifying on the fourth day of the trial at the high court in Pretoria, said he could see Reeva Steenkamp’s brain tissue in her hair.
It was at this point in the testimony that a police officer passed a plastic bag to Oscar Pistorius.
Recalling the early hours of Valentine’s Day 2013, Dr, Johan Stipp said he had heard gunshots and after making sure it was safe, went to help.
When he got to Oscar Pistorius’ house, he found the athlete kneeling by Reeva Steenkamp, with “his left hand on her right groin, and his right hand – the second and third fingers – in her mouth”.
“Oscar was crying all the time,” Dr. Johan Stipp said.
“He was praying to God [saying] <<Please let her live>>.”
Dr. Johan Stipp said Oscar Pistorius had been in an emotional state, and fearing he might hurt himself, had asked where the gun was.
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Another neighbor of Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius has told his murder trial he heard the athlete saying that he had shot his girlfriend after mistaking her for a burglar.
Johan Stipp, a qualified doctor, says he tried to revive Reeva Steenkamp but could tell she was dying.
During Dr. Johan Stipp’s testimony, Oscar Pistorius cried and seemed to retch.
The double amputee denies intentionally killing Reeva Steenkamp, saying he mistook the 29-year-old model for an intruder.
Dr. Johan Stipp said he could see Reeva Steenkamp’s brain tissue in her hair.
Oscar Pistorius on the fourth day of his murder trial in Pretoria
At this point, a police officer passed a plastic bag to Oscar Pistorius.
Recalling the night of February 14, 2013, Dr. Johan Stipp said he had heard gunshots.
He said he had found OScar Pistorius kneeling by her body.
“I shot her,” Oscar Pistorius told him.
“I thought she was a burglar.”
Dr. Johan Stipp said Oscar Pistorius had been in an emotional state. Fearing he might hurt himself, he had asked where the gun was.
Earlier, defense lawyer Barry Roux said that two neighbors, Michell Burger and Charl Johnson, had discussed their testimony with each other and amended the rough notes they had made a few days after the shooting.
“Your interpretation [of events] is designed to incriminate the accused and it’s unfortunate,” Barry Roux said.
Charl Johnson denied this. He insisted that he had heard a woman screaming “help”, followed by a man doing the same.
On Wednesday, boxer Kevin Lerena said Oscar Pistorius had been responsible for a weapon being fired at a restaurant last year.
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After Oscar Pistorius shot dead his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, 2013, reports surfaced that she could have been pregnant with their first child when she was killed.
However, the post-mortem was later released, and revealed the truth behind Reeva Steenkamp’s pregnancy.
“The post mortem would have revealed if Reeva was pregnant and it did not reveal anything like this. Maybe it comes from the other side, to garner and build up some sort of support for Oscar,” Mike Steenkamp, a spokesperson for Reeva’s family, said at the time.
Oscar Pistorius shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, 2013
The original report came from the National Enquirer, which alleged that Reeva Steenkamp had been pregnant and that is what sent Oscar Pistorius on a murderous rampage.
“Police believe the pregnancy secret she revealed is what sent Pistorius over the edge and left her dead, with bullet wounds to the head, chest, pelvis and hand,” a source told The National Enquirer.
“Later that night, neighbors complained of shouting and fighting coming from the house,” the report continued.
“Police were called to investigate, but it appeared to be just another lover’s spat, so nothing was done except to ask them to quiet down.”
Oscar Pistorius insists he killed Reeva Steenkamp by accident. His trial has been resumed in Pretoria at the beginning of this week.
The third day of Oscar Pistorius’ murder trial in South Africa has begun with another key witness saying the athlete was responsible for a weapon being fired at a restaurant last year.
Boxer Kevin Lerena told the court that Oscar Pistorius had asked the owner of the gun to take the blame.
The incident happened the month before Oscar Pistorius shot dead his 29-year-old girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
Double amputee Oscar Pistorius, 27, denies intentionally killing Reeva Steenkamp, saying he mistook her for an intruder.
The Paralympic champion also denies charges of illegally possessing ammunition.
Reeva Steenkamp, a model and reality TV star, was shot dead in the early hours of February 14, 2013, at Oscar Pistorius’s home in Pretoria.
Oscar Pistorius denies intentionally killing Reeva Steenkamp, saying he mistook her for an intruder (photo AP)
Kevin Lerena, a professional boxer, is the fourth witness to take the stand at the trial, which began at the High Court in Pretoria on Monday.
He testified that he had been to Tasha’s Restaurant in Johannesburg with Oscar Pistorius and two other people, including Darren Fresco, in January 2013.
Darren Fresco had passed his firearm to Oscar Pistorius and said “I’m one up”, meaning there was a bullet in the chamber of the gun, Kevin Lerena said.
When the firearm was handed over a there was a shot followed by “complete silence”, he added.
Oscar Pistorius had apologized and asked Darren Fresco to take the blame, which he had agreed to do, Kevin Lerena said.
“Please, I don’t want any attention around me. Just say it was you,” Oscar Pistorius pleaded, according to Kevin Lerena.
Prosecutors say Oscar Pistorius planned the killing and shot Reeva Steenkamp after a row.
Earlier witnesses at the trial were neighbors of Oscar Pistorius who testified about the sounds they heard around the time of Reeva Steenkamp’s death.
If found guilty of premeditated murder, Oscar Pistorius could face life imprisonment.
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A second key witness in Oscar Pistorius’ trial has told the court in Pretoria she was awoken by the sounds of a fight early on February 14, 2013.
Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius, 27, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
Oscar Pistorius shot dead Reeva Steenkamp, 29, at his home, saying he mistook her for an intruder.
His neighbor, Estelle Van Der Merwe, said the row had lasted about an hour.
“It seemed like somebody was involved in a fight,” said Estelle Van Der Merwe, who lives in the same gated Pretoria housing estate as Oscar Pistorius.
“People were talking in loud voices.”
The argument woke her at about 01:56 local time and lasted about an hour. After that, she heard four loud sounds in succession.
Oscar Pistorius has pleaded not guilty to intentionally killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp (photo Reuters)
Estelle Van Der Merwe was the second witness to take the stand at the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius, which began at the high court in on Monday.
She said she had been irritated by the noise of the argument and placed a pillow on her head “in hope of falling asleep again”.
Tuesday’s hearing adjourned not long after the third witness, Charl Peter Johnson – husband to the first witness Michelle Burger – had taken the stand.
The second day of the trial began with defense lawyer Barry Roux quizzing Michelle Burger about her account of hearing a woman’s screams, a man calling for help and then four gunshots.
The defense line was clear that as Reeva Steenkamp was in a closed toilet with a closed window, the screams the witness said she heard could not have come from her.
Oscar Pistorius was in the bathroom where the window was open so the screams must have come from him.
Barry Roux also suggested expert evidence would prove that Reeva Steenkamp would have been unable to scream between shots.
When details of the bullets hitting her head were read out, Oscar Pistorius’s head dropped into his hands.
At the start of proceedings on Monday, Barry Roux read out a statement from the athlete, giving his version of events of how Reeva Steenkamp had died, saying he believed his girlfriend was in bed when he shot at the toilet door.
State prosecutors say Oscar Pistorius planned the killing and shot Reeva Steenkamp after a row.
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The second day of Oscar Pistorius’ trial in South Africa begins with his defense lawyers questioning a neighbor who told a court in Pretoria that heard a woman’s “terrible screams” on February 14, 2013.
Oscar Pistorius has pleaded not guilty at the start of his trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
The Paralympic champion shot dead the 29-year-old model and reality TV star at his home, saying he mistook her for an intruder.
Oscar Pistorius’ neighbor, Michelle Burger, said cries for help were followed by shots.
“She screamed terribly and she yelled for help. Then I also heard a man screaming for help. Three times he yelled for help,” Michelle Burger told the high court in the capital on the first day of the trial.
Oscar Pistorius’ trial in South Africa begins with his defense lawyers questioning a key witness
Michelle Burger said she called security and then heard four gunshots.
Double amputee Oscar Pistorius, 27, won gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and also competed at the Olympics.
For the first time in South Africa, parts of the trial are being televised live, although Michelle Burger’s testimony, in Afrikaans, is being relayed in audio.
Some witness testimony is being excluded from TV broadcasts, although audio of the entire trial is being broadcast.
The court was briefly adjourned as questioning began on the second day of the trial over concerns Michelle Burger’s photograph was shown on television on Tuesday.
Judge Thokozile Masipa warned that no photographs of witnesses from any sources were to be used by the media and any violators would not be “treated with soft gloves”.
Today, Oscar Pistorius’ defense lawyer Barry Roux began his remarks by outlining what he would focus on with Michelle Berger’s testimony: her credibility and reliability.
On Monday, Oscar Pistorius pleaded not guilty to all charges, including the “willful and intentional murder of Reeva Steenkamp” as the trial began.
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Oscar Pistorius’s neighbor Michelle Burger has revealed in Pretoria court that she was awoken by a woman’s “terrible screams” in the early hours of February 14, 2013.
Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius has pleaded not guilty at the start of his trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
The 27-year-old double amputee shot dead the 29-year-old model and reality TV star at his home, saying he mistook her for an intruder.
Michelle Burger said cries for help were followed by shots.
Oscar Pistorius has pleaded not guilty at the start of his trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
“She screamed terribly and she yelled for help. Then I also heard a man screaming for help. Three times he yelled for help,” Michelle Burger told the high court in the capital.
The neighbor said she called security and then heard four gunshots.
For the first time in South Africa, parts of the trial are being televised live, although Michelle Burger’s testimony, in Afrikaans, was only relayed in audio.
The start to proceedings at the court in South Africa’s capital on Monday was delayed by 90 minutes as an Afrikaans translator was absent.
Oscar Pistorius pleaded not guilty to all charges, including the “willful and intentional murder of Reeva Steenkamp” as the trial began.
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Oscar Pistorius has arrived in court in South Africa at the start of his trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Oscar Pistorius, 27, shot Reeva Steenkamp, 29, at his home in Pretoria on February 14, 2013.
State prosecutors allege the killing was premeditated, but the Paralympic champion claims he mistook her for an intruder.
For the first time in South Africa, parts of the trial will be televised live. Media interest is high.
Oscar Pistorius has arrived in court in South Africa at the start of his trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
The arrest of the national sporting hero astounded South Africa.
Double amputee Oscar Pistorius won gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and also competed at the Olympics.
Oscar Pistorius’s uncle, brother and sister are also in court; next to them on the relatives’ bench is the family of Reeva Steenkamp, including her mother June.
Gerrie Nel, who is leading the prosecution team, will be the key figure in Monday’s proceedings, as he begins to lay out the state’s case against the athlete.
State prosecutors say Oscar Pistorius planned the killing and shot Reeva Steenkamp after a row.
If found guilty of premeditated murder, the sportsman could face life imprisonment.
Oscar Pistorius has also been charged with illegally possessing ammunition.
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Oscar Pistorius trial in South Africa can be partially televised, a Pretoria court has ruled today.
Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, more than a year ago, and his murder trial begins on March 3.
State prosecutors allege the killing was premeditated, but Oscar Pistorius claims he mistook her for an intruder.
It will be the first time parts of a trial in South Africa are televised live.
Judge Dunstan Mlambo at the court in Pretoria was asked to decide how much, if any, of the proceedings could be filmed and broadcast live.
The application was brought by media groups MultiChoice, eNCA and Eyewitness News, reported Sapa news agency.
Justice Dunstan Mlambo said the entire audio of the trial could be broadcast live, and sections of the trial could be filmed and televised live.
Oscar Pistorius shot dead girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp and his murder trial begins on March 3
These included opening arguments, evidence of experts, police witnesses and closing arguments.
The testimony of the accused and his witnesses were exempt, the judge said.
Three cameras could be set up to be operated remotely – and no close-ups or recordings of private conversations were allowed, he said.
Witnesses could apply in writing if they did not want to be on camera – and allowances could be made to have faces obscured or filmed from the back, he added.
MultiChoice is planning 24-hour coverage of the trial on its own dedicated channel – the Oscar Pistorius Trial channel – which is due to begin broadcasting on Sunday.
Defense lawyers had said it would prejudice proceedings.
Justice Dunstan Mlambo said the broadcast of a “celebrity” trial might go a long way to address misconceptions about justice system.
However, he warned against a trial by media and said the court could be the only place where Oscar Pistorius was tried.
Reeva Steenkamp, 29, was shot three times through the toilet door of Oscar Pistorius’ Pretoria home in the early hours of Valentine’s Day in 2013.
Oscar Pistorius, 27, said he thought she was a burglar and denies prosecution claims that they had an argument in the hours before the shooting.
Much of the case will depend on ballistic evidence from the scene of the shooting, correspondents say.
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South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius, who became a murder suspect, said Friday that he is consumed by grief on the first anniversary of the day that he fatally shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in his home.
The rare statement by the double-amputee runner came ahead of the March 3 start of his trial for the killing of Reeva Steenkamp, shot in Oscar Pistorius’ bathroom in the pre-dawn hours of Valentine’s Day.
“No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved – and continues to love Reeva,” said Oscar Pistorius, who told a court last year that he mistook Reeva Steenkamp for a dangerous nighttime intruder.
Prosecutors allege Oscar Pistorius, 27, who is out on bail, intentionally killed Reeva Steenkamp after an argument.
Oscar Pistorius said that he is consumed by grief on the first anniversary of the day that he fatally shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
“The pain and sadness – especially for Reeva’s parents, family and friends consumes me with sorrow,” Oscar Pistorius said.
“The loss of Reeva and the complete trauma of that day, I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
The statement from Oscar Pistorius was unusual because his uncle, Arnold, has normally been quoted in statements from his camp, which has sought to shield the runner from intense media and public interest in a case that transfixed many people around the world.
Reeva Steenkamp’s mother, June, plans to attend the trial in South Africa’s capital, Pretoria. No members of Reeva Steenkamp’s immediate family have attended any of Oscar Pistorius’ previous court dates.
Oscar Pistorius also faces other firearms-related charges.
Oscar Pistorius was the first double-amputee to run at the world championships and the Olympics. He faces a possible life sentence with a minimum of 25 years in prison before the chance of parole if he is convicted of premeditated murder in Reeva Steenkamp’s killing.
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Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius was served with new indictment papers Wednesday containing two extra charges believed to allege that he recklessly shot his gun out the open sunroof of a car last year and fired someone else’s handgun at a restaurant weeks before he killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Oscar Pistorius has already been indicted on a main charge of murder for the February 14 shooting death of Reeva Steenkamp and another firearm charge for illegal possession of ammunition in his home.
The double-amputee Olympian now faces the two additional charges relating to firing guns in public.
Oscar Pistorius will likely face all four charges at his trial starting in March, although his lawyers can argue against the new gun charges being added to his current indictment as the offenses are alleged to have taken place in Johannesburg, in a different court jurisdiction to the fatal shooting of Reeva Steenkamp at his upscale villa in the South African capital, Pretoria, in the pre-dawn hours of Valentine’s Day.
Oscar Pistorius faces two additional charges relating to firing guns in public
His lawyers were served with the new papers, South Africa’s national prosecution spokesman Nathi Mncube told The Associated Press.
“What happened today is: Mr. Pistorius was served with a new indictment,” Nathi Mncube said.
“We have to advise him [of the extra charges] to accord him with enough time to prepare his defense.”
Nathi Mncube declined to give the exact details of the new charges, only saying they “relate to the contravention of the firearms act.”
He also said there had been no indication from Oscar Pistorius’ lawyers if they would challenge the adding of the charges to his indictment for the trial.
Prosecutors sought special permission to include the two gun charges against Oscar Pistorius on the indictment because they did not fall in the same jurisdiction. Permission was granted by South Africa’s director of public prosecutions last month.
It’s reported in South Africa that the new charges relate to two alleged incidents where Oscar Pistorius recklessly shot a gun in public: The first when the Paralympic is alleged to have fired his own licensed 9mm handgun – the gun used to kill Reeva Steenkamp – out the open sunroof of a car in Johannesburg while traveling with friends last year.
The prosecutor in Oscar Pistorius case said the dates of 3 to 20 March had been mutually agreed for the trial at a hearing at Pretoria magistrates’ court.
South African athlete Oscar Pistorius is accused of premeditated murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
The prosecution handed a copy of the indictment to Oscar Pistorius.
Oscar Pistorius denies murdering Reeva Steenkamp. He says he shot her after mistaking her for an intruder.
He was granted bail in February and has since resumed some low-key training.
During Monday’s brief hearing, prosecutor Gerrie Nel also said he planned to transfer case to the high court: “We have prepared the indictment.”
Oscar Pistorius was also indicted on a charge of illegal possession of ammunition.
Oscar Pistorius is accused of premeditated murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
The double amputee won gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and also competed at the Olympics.
His arrest in February stunned many South Africans who saw him as a national sporting hero after his long legal battle to be able to take part in the Olympics.
State prosecutors are arguing that the killing was premeditated, a charge which carries a sentence of life imprisonment. They say Oscar Pistorius killed Reeva Steenkamp intentionally after a fight.
But the athlete says he shot his girlfriend through the bathroom door of his home in Pretoria after mistaking her for a burglar.
The prosecution handed over details of its case against Oscar Pistorius at Monday’s hearing, including a witness list and forensic reports.
Much depends on ballistic evidence from the bathroom where Reeva Steenkamp was shot.
South African newspapers have reported that at least some of that forensic evidence appears to back up OScar Pistorius’s version of events.
However, the prosecution is expected to call witnesses who will say the Olympic runner was preoccupied with guns, and had been arguing with his girlfriend.
Last week, the police wrapped up their six-month investigation into Reeva Steenkamp’s killing.
“The South African Police Service is hopeful that justice will prevail,” a statement from the office of South Africa’s national police commissioner read.
Oscar Pistorius returned to court on what would have been Reeva Steenkamp’s 30th birthday.
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Oscar Pistorius is due to reappear at Pretoria magistrates’ court over the killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
The prosecution is expected to serve the South African athlete with an indictment for the premeditated murder of his girlfriend. A trial date will also be set.
Oscar Pistorius, 26, denies murdering Reeva Steenkamp, saying he shot her after mistaking her for an intruder.
He was granted bail in February and has since resumed some low-key training.
The double amputee won gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and also competed at the Olympics.
Oscar Pistorius’ arrest in February stunned many South Africans who saw him as a national sporting hero after his long legal battle to be able to take part in the Olympics.
Oscar Pistorius is due to reappear at Pretoria magistrates’ court over the killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
State prosecutors are arguing that the killing was premeditated, a charge which carries a sentence of life imprisonment. They say he killed Reeva Steenkamp intentionally after a fight.
But Oscar Pistorius denies committing murder, claiming he shot his girlfriend through the bathroom door of his upmarket house in Pretoria after mistaking her for a burglar.
The prosecution is expected to hand over details of its case against Oscar Pistorius at Monday’s hearing, including a witness list and forensic reports.
Much depends on ballistic evidence from the bathroom where Reeva Steenkamp was shot.
South African newspapers have reported that at least some of that forensic evidence appears to back up OScar Pistorius’ version of events, he continues.
However, the prosecution is expected to call witnesses who will say the Olympic runner was preoccupied with guns, and had been arguing with his girlfriend.
Prosecutors told the Associated Press news agency that additional charges might be added to the indictment but did not offer any details.
Last week, the police wrapped up their six-month investigation into Reeva Steenkamp’s killing.
“The South African Police Service is hopeful that justice will prevail,” a statement from the office of South Africa’s national police commissioner read.
In June, Oscar Pistorius resumed “low-key” training as a way to help him “process the trauma”, a statement on his website read.
Oscar Pistorius was freed on a bail of R1million ($110,000).
A court in March eased Oscar Pistorius’ travel restrictions, allowing him to leave South Africa to compete as long as he complied with certain conditions.
South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius has appeared in court for the first time since he was freed on bail over the killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp earlier this year.
After a brief hearing in Pretoria, the magistrate agreed to a request from both prosecution and defense to postpone the hearing until August 19.
Oscar Pistorius, 26, shot Reeva Steenkamp, 29, through the bathroom door of his house in Pretoria on February 14, 2013.
The Paralympic champion denies committing murder, saying he mistook her for an intruder.
Oscar Pistorius wore a grey suit and appeared composed as he arrived at court to meet a barrage of photographers and journalists. He was surrounded by his family and friends for the hearing.
He spoke only once, confirming: “Yes, Your Honour” when asked if he understood the magistrate’s comments.
Both the prosecution and the defense teams asked that the hearing be postponed until August 19 to give them more time to prepare their case.
Oscar Pistorius hearing over Reeva Steenkamp murder postponed until August
Magistrate Daniel Thulare agreed to the postponement and extended Oscar Pistorius’s bail conditions until that date.
On Monday, Oscar Pistorius’ family said they were “shaken” by leaked, graphic photos published by Sky News, which showed the bathroom where Reeva Steenkamp was killed.
Police said they were “disgusted” by the leak.
Oscar Pistorius is a double amputee who won gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and also competed in the Olympics.
His arrest in February stunned many South Africans who saw him as a national sporting hero after his long legal battle to be able to compete in the Olympics.
The prosecution has accused Oscar Pistorius of premeditated murder, alleging that he killed Reeva Steenkamp intentionally after a fight.
Oscar Pistorius was freed on a bail of 1 million rand ($110,000). A court in March eased his travel restrictions, allowing him to leave South Africa to compete as long as he complied with certain conditions.
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The bathroom where Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead by Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius has been pictured for the first time.
The pictures show inside Oscar Pistorius’ house in Pretoria, South Africa, where Reeva Steenkamp was killed in the early hours of Valentine’s Day.
Big spots of bl**d cover the toilet and floor of the room, with police tape marking the holes where bullets flew through the bathroom door, which is missing a panel.
Reeva Steenkamp was killed in Oscar Pistorius’ bathroom in the early hours of Valentine’s Day
It is thought that the low position of the bullet holes will be used by Oscar Pistorius’ defense team to argue that he was not wearing his prosthetic legs at the time of the shooting, so could not have planned the murder.
Oscar Pistorius, 26, claims he shot Reeva Steenkamp, 29, by accident because he believed a burglar had entered their home while they slept.
The pictures, obtained by Sky News, also show trails of bl**d leading from the bathroom and down the stairs of the house, from Oscar Pistorius carrying Reeva Steenkamp’s body as he called for help.
In one poignant scene, a Valentine’s gift for Oscar Pistorius, 26, from his girlfriend remains unopened.
A card bearing the nickname “Ozzy” and a packet of heart-shaped sweets lie on top of a parcel wrapped in striped paper.
Oscar Pistorius is charged with premeditated murder for the shooting of his model girlfriend.
He is due in court on Tuesday for a brief hearing while the police investigation continues.
The Sky footage also shows bl**died footprints – thought to have been caused by investigating officer Hilton Botha walking into the house without protective covers on his shoes.
The investigation into Reeva Steenkamp’s death has been heavily criticized.
Officer Hilton Botha was then forced to step down when it emerged he faced seven charges of attempted murder for a 2011 case in which he and two other officers fired on a vehicle in an attempt to make it stop.
Sources told Sky News that other officers in the case are being investigated for the disappearance of a watch belonging to Oscar Pistorius.
Today, his uncle Arnold Pistorius described what life is like for the athlete while he waits for his trial to begin.
He told CNN: “He is housebound. He doesn’t go out in public places.
“But he’s not keen to go out. This fits him at the moment.
“He’s got photos [of Reeva Steenkamp] in his room, he’s got photos all over the places.
“If the person you love the most died and you were the instrument, how would you feel? It’s unthinkable.
“[His life] won’t be the same again. He will have to cope with it somehow.”
Earlier this week, Oscar Pistorius was fined about $95,000 for not paying his taxes in South Africa.
The fine came after he was forced to declare his assets during his bail hearing in February.
Oscar Pistorius declared in an affidavit during his application that he earned around $660,000 a year and owned three houses and land in South Africa with a combined value of nearly $950,000.
Media reports in South Arica suggested that he also owned another property, in Johannesburg, which was bought for around $950,000 this year.
That house was not declared as part of his assets in his affidavit.
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Carl Pistorius, brother of Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, has been acquitted of culpable homicide over the death of a motorcyclist in South Africa.
A magistrate ruled that Carl Pistorius, 28, had not been negligent in the death of Marietjie Barnard in March 2008.
The prosecution admitted it had been unable to prove the charges and said it would take no further action.
The case had attracted attention as it came to court shortly after Oscar Pistorius shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Carl Pistorius, brother of Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, has been acquitted of culpable homicide over the death of a motorcyclist in South Africa
Oscar Pistorius, 26, is charged with premeditated murder for the Valentine’s Day shooting, but says he mistook 29-year-old Reeva Steenkamp for a burglar.
Carl Pistorius cried with relief, reported AP news agency, as the magistrate acquitted him of the charges against him, which also included reckless driving.
Instead, the magistrate ruled, Marietjie Barnard, 36, had been driving excessively fast when she crashed into the back of his vehicle.
“We are satisfied with the outcome and Carl is also happy to see the end of this case,” said Carl Pistorius’ lawyer Kenny Oldwage following the hearing at Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court south of Johannesburg.
South African athlete Oscar Pistorius will not compete again this year as he awaits trial for murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Paralympic gold medallist Oscar Pistorius, 26, is on bail after being charged with the murder of 29-year-old Reeva Steenkamp but can compete before his court case is heard.
His agent, Peet van Zyl, said the six-time Paralympic champion was not mentally ready to return to the track.
“There was never any pressure from me or his coach (Ampie Louw) to return, it’s his decision,” said Peet van Zyl.
It means Oscar Pistorius will not compete in the IPC World Championships in Lyon in July.
Oscar Pistorius was arrested after shooting Reeva Steenkamp dead on February 14 and has not competed since.
Oscar Pistorius will not compete again this year as he awaits trial for murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
The double amputee, known as Blade Runner because of the carbon fibre prosthetic blades he races in, claimed he mistook Reeva Steenkamp for a burglar and has denied murder.
On February 22, Oscar Pistorius was granted bail and had certain conditions lifted which meant he could compete in events outside his homeland.
Coach Ampie Louw was quoted by Eye Witness News in South Africa as saying his athlete was “nowhere close” to being in a position to train.
Oscar Pistorius had not been invited to compete in July’s London Anniversary Games, with UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner saying he did not want the meeting to turn into a “media circus”.
However, Oscar Pistorius’s agent said plenty of meeting organisers had been in touch to invite athlete to compete in their events.
“[There] were a good number, enough to keep him busy through the year,” added Peet van Zyl.
At London 2012, Oscar Pistorius became the first double amputee to run at an Olympics, taking part in both the 400 m and 4×400 m relay.
He then won gold medals in the T44 400 m and T42-46 4×100 m at the Paralympics, as well as silver in the T44 200 m.
Oscar Pistorius is next due in court on June 4 and a trial is expected to take place before the end of this year.
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South African Paralympic Oscar Pistorius appears to be back at the track for the first time since he was charged with murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day this year.
Oscar Pistorius, 26, is pictured with his hands on his hips wearing his blades as he walks across a running track as his agent said his return to training was imminent.
The double amputee Olympian is keen to begin training again – just weeks after he appeared weeping in court charged with the death of Reeva Steenkamp and despite facing a murder trial.
The Afrikaans-language Beeld newspaper printed the image of what it said was Oscar Pistorius on the front page of its Thursday edition.
In the photo, Oscar Pistorius is seen from some distance wearing his blades and dark lycra running clothes and is walking on a track with his hands on his hips.
The Beeld said the photo was taken on March 24 by a high school student visiting the University of Pretoria, where Oscar Pistorius’ regular practice facility is.
It was the first time Oscar Pistorius had put his blades on since he shot dead Reeva Steenkamp in his home his agent, Peet van Zyl, said, but it was not a training session.
Oscar Pistorius appears to be back at the track for the first time since he was charged with murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
Oscar Pistorius was only “having a jog around the track”, the agent said, as the newspaper claimed sources had told it the Olympic 400-meter runner and Paralympic champion had begun full training on March 21.
Peet Van Zyl disputed that and said neither he nor Ampie Louw, Oscar Pistorius’ coach and the man who controls his training sessions, were present at the track on the day the photograph was taken.
The single photo, a grainy image taken through a metal fence showing Oscar Pistorius walking on the far side of the track, was accompanied by a front-page story under the headlines “Oscar is back on the track” and “In training with other athletes”.
However, while Oscar Pistorius wasn’t yet in a training routine, his return could be any day now, his agent said.
“He was just having a jog around his track on his own accord. He wasn’t back at training,” Peet Van Zyl said.
“That picture was taken by a schoolkid on March 24. Myself, Oscar and his coach had a meeting on Tuesday to discuss him getting him back to training.
“Based on that he told us he would like to get back in training and we can now look at formulating his training schedule.
“He is finding it very difficult and he is still coming to terms with the sad loss of Reeva. That is why it will be better for him to be back at training. It will be great to get him back to the track and get some routine. That’s why we are taking it day by day.”
While a return to training might be on the cards for Oscar Pistorius, who holds several IPC World Championship titles over 200 metres, 400m and 4x400m, Peet Van Zyl revealed there is currently no plan regarding his competitive return, if he is invited to compete.
“We haven’t even spoken to him or contemplated him running in a competition,” Peet Van Zyl said.
“He has got to be able to train first and be in some decent form as a world-class athlete before we would allow him to run in a competition.
“If he trains well and his mindset is right then by all means we will look at competitions and options. When that will be we don’t know. It could happen quickly or it could take a year.
“But at the moment, there is no specific date when it comes to him returning to training.
“In the current state he is in he might get up tomorrow and give the coach a phone call and say he might want to train again. He then might not want to train for a few days.
“We are not going to force him. We are going to be guided by him.”
Oscar Pistorius’ family also said: “Oscar is not back on any official training programme.
“This may change in future, but this will be a decision taken by Oscar, and Oscar alone. At this point Oscar is still in an extremely traumatized state and has made it clear to all of us that he is not able or willing to even contemplate this issue at this stage.
“We can confirm that we did have a meeting with Oscar yesterday where various family members and his trainer were present.
“We all encouraged him to get back onto the track to help stabilize him emotionally.
“Oscar has been out running on a number of isolated occasions in the days following the relaxation of his bail conditions, but each time has been very difficult and he has <<struggled immensely>> with the decision to even leave the house.
“As a family however we encourage him to start exercising as we believe it is a vital step in helping him deal with the trauma.”
Peet Van Zyl insisted Oscar Pistorius’ desire to start training again did not show disrespect to the family of Reeva Steenkamp.
“I can’t see there would be any people saying this is disrespectful. This is not disrespectful to Reeva or her family.
“This has been part of his life for so many years. If it makes things easier for him to work through it and get some sense back into his life, let him run and let him jog.
“He’s a human being and that’s maybe an outlet for him.”
Oscar Pistorius denies murder in the Valentine’s Day killing of model Reeva Steenkamp, saying he mistook her for a nighttime intruder in his home.
The athlete’s next scheduled court appearance is June 4, when prosecutors say they intend to serve indictments.
Oscar Pistorius is free to compete in the UK this summer after a judge relaxed his bail terms in March to allow him to make money.
It is certain to prove controversial as it potentially paves the way for Oscar Pistorius, one of the world’s most successful athletes, to earn vast sums of money while he is awaiting trial.
South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius might consider competing at this year’s World Athletics Championships in Moscow, his agent has told the Associated Press.
Oscar Pistorius, who has run at both the Olympics and Paralympics, is charged with murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp but will be allowed to travel abroad after challenging his bail terms.
“If he is up for it and qualifies, the World Championships will definitely be on the radar,” Peet van Zyl told AP.
The 14th World Athletics Championships will be held in Moscow from August 10 to August 18.
Oscar Pistorius might consider competing at this year’s World Athletics Championships in Moscow
Oscar Pistorius, 26, nicknamed the Blade Runner because of his prosthetic legs, is accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who was shot and killed at his home in Pretoria on February 14.
The athlete denies murdering the 29-year-old, saying he mistook her for an intruder.
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), which is the body responsible for the World Championships, said Oscar Pistorius would be “free to run” in Moscow in August on the “basis of the<<innocent until proven guilty>> principle”.
“He’s going to be the one that determines running and training,” Oscar Pistorius’s agent added.
“It’s his call. He’s the one under all the pressure for the court case and grieving for Reeva.’’
Oscar Pistorius must meet certain conditions to be allowed to travel abroad. They include providing an itinerary of his plans at least a week before he is due to leave the country.
The South African was one of the star attractions at the 2012 Olympics in London, becoming the first double amputee to run at an Olympics by taking part in both the 400m and 4x100m.
Oscar Pistorius then won gold medals in the T44 400m and T42-46 4x100m at the Paralympics, as well as silver in the T44 200m.
The International Paralympic Committee said it would discuss the matter of Oscar Pistorius competing again following the Easter break.
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