OSCAR PISTORIUS HAS been described as a ‘deceitful witness’ at his South African murder trial this morning.
Senior state prosecutor Gerrie Nel has launched an attack on the athlete’s character, telling the court that he seems to have ‘anxiety on call’, referring to a number of gun incidents which the 27-year-old denies.
He said that Pistorius’s version of events was “absolutely devoid of any truth” and had “glaring contradictions”.
Using an athletics analogy, Nel claimed the trial was a relay for the Olympian.
“He dropped the baton of truth and was unable to finish the race.”
The lawyer continues with his efforts to pick holes in Pistorius’s defence and testimony about what happened on 14 February 2013, the night he shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
The trial is entering its final stage with closing arguments from both sides to be delivered over the next two days.
Defence barrister Barry Roux will make his last arguments when Nel concludes.
Both Pistorius and Steenkamp’s fathers are in the courtroom today for the first time. June Steenkamp, who has been seen on the benches for much of the hearing, is also in attendance.
Judge
Once both sides of the arguments have been heard, Judge Thokozile Masip is expected to set a date for the verdict to be delivered.
Pistorius is accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in his home in Pretoria on Valentine’s Day last year. He claims it was a mistaken shooting, however, the prosecution argues that he knew what he was doing and shot her after an argument.
Pistorius faces 25 years to life in prison is found guilty of premeditated murder. He could be sentenced to a shorter term if convicted of murder without premeditation or negligent killing.
With reporting from Christina Finn
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