News / Africa
Pistorius appears in court
04 Jun 2013 at 10:06hrs | Views
PRETORIA - Murder-accused South African paralympian Oscar Pistorius appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Tuesday in connection with the death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
The double amputee athlete, nicknamed 'Blade Runner' for the prosthetics he uses in competition shot and killed his girlfriend Steenkamp in February and is currently out on R1 million bail.
It was a short court appearance where the State asked the court for the matter to be postponed to August so they can complete their investigation.
Eyewitness News understands the State has outstanding forensic investigations to do on the bathroom door where Pistorius shot Steenkamp.
Pistorius was not asked to say anything in court.
During an interview broadcast on the UK's Channel 5 on Monday night, the model's father Barry Steenkamp became emotional when speaking about which career path he would have preferred for his daughter.
"I wanted her to carry on and complete her law qualification and if she has listened to me she would still be here today."
Pistorius stared blankly towards the front of the court during the proceedings.
All eyes were on the Pistorius family - including his uncle Arnold, brother Carl and sister Aimee - as they entered the court.
Photographers were asked to leave the court as the magistrate entered.
Advocate Barry Roux confirmed the next court date would be 19 August, the date of Steenkamp's birthday, and said they were satisfied with progress.
Advocate Johnson said Pistorius could be arrested if he does not appear on the set trial date.
Eyewitness News understood with the limited space in the courtroom, only ten spaces were reserved for the supporters of the accused and deceased's families respectively.
The National Prosecuting Authority's Medupe Simasiku said no special arrangements were made for him to enter the court through a special entrance on Tuesday.
Pistorius had to brave the media's prying cameras which waited for him at the court's main entrance.
The double amputee athlete, nicknamed 'Blade Runner' for the prosthetics he uses in competition shot and killed his girlfriend Steenkamp in February and is currently out on R1 million bail.
It was a short court appearance where the State asked the court for the matter to be postponed to August so they can complete their investigation.
Eyewitness News understands the State has outstanding forensic investigations to do on the bathroom door where Pistorius shot Steenkamp.
Pistorius was not asked to say anything in court.
During an interview broadcast on the UK's Channel 5 on Monday night, the model's father Barry Steenkamp became emotional when speaking about which career path he would have preferred for his daughter.
"I wanted her to carry on and complete her law qualification and if she has listened to me she would still be here today."
All eyes were on the Pistorius family - including his uncle Arnold, brother Carl and sister Aimee - as they entered the court.
Photographers were asked to leave the court as the magistrate entered.
Advocate Barry Roux confirmed the next court date would be 19 August, the date of Steenkamp's birthday, and said they were satisfied with progress.
Advocate Johnson said Pistorius could be arrested if he does not appear on the set trial date.
Eyewitness News understood with the limited space in the courtroom, only ten spaces were reserved for the supporters of the accused and deceased's families respectively.
The National Prosecuting Authority's Medupe Simasiku said no special arrangements were made for him to enter the court through a special entrance on Tuesday.
Pistorius had to brave the media's prying cameras which waited for him at the court's main entrance.
Source - Eyewitness News
