Murder accused Pistorius forgets four-digit cellphone pin

London - Murder accused Oscar Pistorius has "forgotten" the four-digit pin needed to unlock a cellphone he was using on the night his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, was shot dead in his house, The Mail on Sunday reports.

Pistorius was charged with premeditated murder.

The paper said police had been forced to seek help from Apple in America to try to gain access to an iPhone 5 found on the floor of the bathroom in which the model was shot.

Prosecutors believe the phone contains vital evidence.

Lieutenant General Vineshkumar Moonoo, who is leading the investigation, said: "Pistorius is saying he can't remember the code and we have been unable to access messages sent or received that night.

"These could be crucial and Apple executives in America have made their technicians available to help us.'

"I cannot say Pistorius's memory failure is suspicious, but the mobile phones were clearly in use up to the time of the killing."

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel said examination of the cellphones was vital.

Pistorius will appear in court again on 19 August 2013. He was released on bail of R1m in March.