Pistorius makes second court appearance

Pretoria, Feb 19 (IANS) Paralympian Oscar Pistorius appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court Tuesday to hear the judgment on his bail application.

This was the second time that Pistorius appeared in court since he was arrested last Thursday for allegedly shooting model Reeva Steenkamp at his home here. He was brought to court early Tuesday from the Brooklyn police cells where he had been in custody since his first appearance Friday, reports Xinhua.

A large contingent of journalists pushed to get into the court to get the 25 places set for them. Hundreds of anti-Pistorius or pro-Pistorius protesters gathered outside the court, shouting in a peaceful manner.

Pistorius had applied for bail but police said they would oppose his application. He reportedly told police that he shot Steemkamp, mistaking her for a burglar. But police did not support his accounts. Evidence collected by investigators ruled out the possibility that Steemkamp was shot accidentally. Police have found boxes of drugs believed to be steroids and evidence of sexual activity retrieved from Pistorius’s bedroom.

Blood and urine samples taken from Pistorius shortly after the shooting are also being tested to determine whether Pistorius was in possession of, or on steroids at the time of the incident, according to police sources.

A bloodied cricket bat was also found at Pistorius’ home. Police are investigating two possibilities: Steenkamp might have used to bat to defend herself or Pistorius might have beaten the model before shooting her.

Also Tuesday, Steenkamp’s body was buried at a private family funeral in Port Elizabeth.

IANS 2013-02-19 14:50:04