Judge refers Oscar for mental observation

Oscar Pistorius, right, accompanied by unidentified relative walks towards the high court in Pretoria, South Africa, Wednesday, May 14, 2014. Pistorius is charged with murder for the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentines Day in 2013. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Oscar Pistorius, right, accompanied by unidentified relative walks towards the high court in Pretoria, South Africa, Wednesday, May 14, 2014. Pistorius is charged with murder for the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentines Day in 2013. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Published May 14, 2014

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Pretoria - Judge Thokozile Masipa has referred Oscar Pistorius for mental observation.

The athlete is on trial in the High Court in Pretoria for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Earlier, prosecutor Gerrie Nel had said that Pistorius's state of mental health had to be tested by other trained professionals.

Nel applied to have Pistorius sent for psychiatric evaluation shortly after the end of psychiatrist Professor Merryll Vorster's testimony for the defence.

His application was opposed by defence counsel Barry Roux.

The court was adjourned to Tuesday to allow the State and defence to prepare the order for referral. - IOL

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