South Africa: Pistorious Murder Trial Postponed

By Staff Writer

A South African magistrate has postponed the murder trial of the country’s Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius until August following a request from the prosecution to prepare the case.

Oscar Pistorius, the famed double-amputee sprinter, appeared at a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday in a South African court. The 26-year-old is charged of murdering his model girlfriend, charges he denies.

The South African Paralympic sprinter was charged with pre-mediated murder after he shot Reeva Steenkamp, 29, in the early morning hours of Valentine’s Day at his home, in what he says he had mistaken her for an intruder.

During the hearing which lasted briefly, Mr Pistorius who was accompanied by friends and family, spoke only once, confirming to the magistrate’s comments.

The prosecution asked for the case to be postponed until 19 August so that it could prepare its ballistics and forensics evidence. The prosecution has accused him of premeditated murder, alleging that he killed Ms Steenkamp intentionally after a fight.

The adjournment was not opposed by the defence.

He was freed on a bail of 1 million rand ($110,000), where later a court in March eased his travel restrictions, allowing him to leave South Africa to compete as long as he complied with certain conditions.

During the Tuesday’s hearing Magistrate Daniel Thulare expressed concern at the media coverage of the case where he warned some of it could be in contempt of court.

His remarks follows after leaked graphic photos of the bathroom where Ms Steenkamp was killed were published by Sky News.

Pistorius stunned many during the 2012 Summer Olypmics when he became the first amputee to participate and win medal in able-bodied track games. He was part of South Africa's silver medal team that won 4 × 400 metres relay team. He also won two gold medals and silver in the Paralympics.

His limbs were amputated halfway between his knees and ankles when he was 11 months old following a birth deformity and has been using prosthetic limbs giving him the “blade runner” forename.