Pretoria - Preparations for what is deemed “the trial of the century” have already started, just days before final judgment is delivered in the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius.
The Paralympian is expected to hear his fate on Thursday and Friday – and the city is abuzz with anticipation.
Outside broadcast and satellite equipment have already been installed to mark territory outside the North Gauteng High Court in Madiba Street.
The athlete is accused of killing his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 13 last year.
The courtroom is expected to be packed with media, friends and family of Pistorius and Steenkamp.
BBC News has already set up shop with two satellite trucks parked opposite the high court in Palace Street.
A technical staff member said they would not move until the trial has been wrapped up.
A stone-throw away from them, on Madiba Street, is the e.tv satellite truck, and according to the driver they have been parked there since Saturday morning.
“We take turns in guarding the van. There is one guy for night shift and I do morning shift,” he said.
Also visible and gearing up for the trial is the SABC satellite trucks on Madiba Street.
Business is also expected to be booming in the vicinity of the court, with places like Tribeca, Dros Fried Chicken and Wimpy expecting a larger crowd to flock in, during breakfast and lunchtime.
Eckhard Rabe, manager at Dros Fried Chicken, said they sold 700 cups of coffee on the opening day of the murder trial in March.
The shop is predicting even more sales with the trial coming to an end.
“Just on Monday alone, we sold 64 bottles of water as opposed to the normal five to six a day. So that alone gives us insight of what we can expect in the next couple of days,” Rabe said.
The City of Tshwane Metro Police Department will deploy officers near the court to control traffic.
Metro police spokesman Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said Paul Kruger and Bosman streets would be cordoned off.
He said that patrol cars would be stationed outside the court.
Mahamba warned motorists to avoid parking their vehicles near the court, as they will be impounded and heavy fines imposed.
“Certain parking space will be reserved for the media and emergency services. Because of construction work around the court we urge motorist to be patient,” he said.
Pretoria News