Oscar Pistorius granted R1m bail

Oscar Pistorius at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court. He was released on bail. Photo: Siphiwe Sibeko

Oscar Pistorius at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court. He was released on bail. Photo: Siphiwe Sibeko

Published Feb 22, 2013

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Oscar Pistorius was granted bail in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Friday.

"... I come to the conclusion the accused has made a case to be released on bail," said Magistrate Desmond Nair.

Pistorius is charged with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14.

Nair said there was no evidence before him that Pistorius would interfere with state witnesses and no proper evidence relating to the public perception of the matter.

He was not a flight risk and a propensity for violence had not been shown.

Instead of a "flimsy" affidavit, he had "reached out".

People in the gallery stood up and shouted "yes" on hearing this. 

Bail was set at R1 million.

He could pay R100 000 first and the rest of the amount by March 1.

Upon payment of the R100 000, Pistorius must be released from custody.

"We have agreed on bail conditions," said prosecutor Gerrie Nel after bail was granted to Pistorius who is charged with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The conditions submitted were that he would be present at 8.30am  at every court postponement date.

He would not return to his home at Silver Woods estate in Pretoria, where the shooting occurred.

He would reside at an address that would not be publicly disclosed.

He would hand in all his passports and not apply for any passport or travel documents, and stay away from airports.

Her would report to the Brooklyn police station between 7am and 1pm from Monday to Friday.

He would refrain from being in possession of any firearm and hand in all his firearms.

The case was postponed to June 4. - Sapa

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