Yolande du Preez
PRETORIA: Relatives of Paralympian Oscar Pistorius will be among the 107 witnesses due to be called by the State to testify against him when he is tried for the murder of his girlfriend.
His sister Aimee, who has been a rock of support, as well as his uncle, Arnold, whom Pistorius now lives with in Waterkloof, are among the witnesses listed in the indictment served on Pistorius yesterday.
He returned to the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on what would have been slain girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp’s 30th birthday, for a short appearance in which his case was transferred to the Pretoria High Court. His trial is set to start in March.
Shortly before the start of proceedings, the 26-year-old double amputee turned his back on a mob of photographers and cameramen and prayed for some time, in the dock, while holding hands with siblings Carl and Aimee. Pistorius dabbed at his cheeks with a tissue as tears streamed from his shut eyes.
Other witnesses on the eight-page witness list include former police investigator Hilton Botha, paramedics, ballistics experts, two former girlfriends, Samantha Taylor and Melissa Rom, as well as former soccer player Mark Batchelor and Steenkamp’s former boyfriend Warren Lahoud. Last week it was reported that Taylor had given police information about the athlete’s reckless history with guns which could result in additional charges against him.
John Beare, the vice-chairman of the Lowveld Firearm Collectors’ Association, of which Pistorius was a member, is another witness due to testify.
Earlier this year, Beare, told AP that Pistorius was an avid collector of firearms and that American-manufactured arms were his favourite. He indicated that Pistorius also bought a semi-automatic rifle for his expanding collection at the end of last year.
Pistorius shot Steenkamp four times in the toilet of his Silverwoods Country Estate home, hitting her in the hip, elbow, finger and head, early on Valentine’s Day. She died at the scene. According to court documents, she had locked herself in a toilet adjacent to the main bedroom. He faces a charge of premeditated murder and contravention of the Firearms Control Act for possession of illegal ammunition.
During his four-day bail application in February, the court heard that Pistorius mistook Steenkamp for an intruder. And while he claims he fired shots at a silent prowler, neighbours are set to testify that they heard a woman scream, followed by gunshots and then more screaming.
Pistorius, who seemed slightly more relaxed than during previous appearances, was neatly dressed in a dark grey suit with his hair, slightly longer than usual, parted at the side.
Chief magistrate Desmond Nair asked him if he was well, to which he responded: “Yes, under the circumstances, your honour.”
Pistorius indicated that he had not seen the contents of the indictment and Nair suggested a short adjournment so Pistorius could familiarise himself with the contents, but defence advocate Barry Roux said it was not necessary. Pistorius indicated that he was satisfied with the provisions made by his legal team.
Gina Myers, Steenkamp’s best friend, who sat teary eyed throughout the proceedings, tweeted: “In court today to represent… Always with you my Alfi @reevasteenkamp. Miss you infinitely.”
After proceedings, Ian Levitt, who represents the Myers family, briefly addressed the media, saying Steenkamp’s memory would live on for ever as she had a lasting effect on the lives of everyone she came into contact with.
“What should have been a celebration of her life marks the court appearance of her untimely death six months ago,” Levitt said.
Arnold Pistorius told reporters that the Pistorius family had decided not to issue an official statement. However, Carl Pistorius tweeted a photograph of Pistorius and Steenkamp in happier days and said: “Remembered like yesterday. My life was impacted by u (you) @reevasteenkamp and the lady u were.”