Oscar Pistorius, first known as the ‘Blade Runner’ for his achievements as a double amputee athlete, has reached the final proceedings of the 6 month trial for the accused murder of partner, Reeva Stenkamp.
The 41 day trial had appeared to take a heavy toll on the high profile athlete accused of deliberately shooting dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in the early hours of February 14 last year.
The controversial trial saw Pistorius arrive at court on Thursday with the support of his family, namely is uncle Arnold and younger sister Aimee. The other side of the room reportedly saw Reeva’s parents s June and Barry Steenkamp remain in silence.
Oscar Pistorius found not guilty of murdering Reeva Steenkamp by Judge Thokozile Masipa, but he could still be found guilty of culpable homicide. Judge Masipa says Pistorius cannot be found guilty of murder dolus eventualis, a legal term for the accused being aware of the outcome of his or her action.
On the count of premeditated murder, the judge says the evidence is “purely circumstantial” and that the state has failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Pistorius is guilty of premeditated murder.
Masipa says Pistorius was a “very poor witness”. He was composed and logical in evidence in chief, but lost his composure under cross-examination.
Masipa told the court that “there was not enough evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the athlete is guilty of premeditated murder or murder”. Bfore Judge Maspia’s final judgement is revealed, Pistorius could face up to 15 years in jail if he is convicted for culpable homicide.
Judge Thokozile Masipa outlined the charges against Pistorius: He is accused of murdering Steenkamp, as well as two counts of discharging firearms in public and one count of illegal possession of ammunition. She then outlines the defence, which is that the athlete denies shooting Steenkamp intentionally and believed there was an intruder in his bathroom who posed a threat to him and Steenkamp.
Watch this space as the final verdict unfolds.
Image credit: oscar pistorius trial image via Reuters
