Pretoria - Investigations into the murder charge against Paralympian Oscar Pistorius are not prejudiced by the publishing of crime scene photos in the media, an NPA official said on Tuesday.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Medupe Simasiku said the investigation was at a sensitive stage and would be wrapped up before August.
“We are satisfied with the progress [of the investigation] and everything that has been done. We want to see this case going forward fair and square,” he said.
“I am not prepared to comment regarding the leak that we don't know of. We don't have knowledge of any leaks. We believe that whatever is out there is not part of the system.”
He said the evidence collected by police at the crime scene was adequately secured. In the event that the evidence was leaked, firm action would be taken.
“Should there be anything which affects the progress of the case we will deal with it accordingly. We are not in a position to make statements on something which is not there yet,” he said.
The NPA would not be taking action against SkyNews. On Friday, the broadcaster posted pictures purportedly showing the scene where model Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead.
At the time, national police spokesman Brigadier Phuti Setati said police could not comment on the photographs because they did not know how they came to be in SkyNews' possession.
“We don't want to be distracted by these deliberate tactics. All that we want to do is secure a conviction, so we are working throughout and investigating professionally,” said Setati.
Acting Magistrate Daniel Thulare postponed Pistorius' case to August 19.
“Mr Pistorius, the matter against you has been postponed for further investigation,” he said.
“Yes your honour,” replied Pistorius.
His bodyguards guided him out of the building and more than 10 police officers helped as Pistorius was whisked away in a Silver Fortuner, which had been idling on the busy Francis Baard Street adjacent to the court entrance.
Some journalists fell in the ensuing push and shove to get closer to the Paralympian outside the court. - Sapa