Botha relieved top brass taking on Oscar
2013-02-23 14:30
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Johannesburg - Detective Hilton Botha, who initially was in charge of the Oscar Pistorius investigation, said on Saturday he was not really unhappy about being replaced.
Pistorius has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in his home on 14 February.
National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega on Thursday announced that Botha would be removed from the investigation and that a team, headed by Commissioner of Detective Services Lieutenant General Vinesh Moonoo, would take over the murder investigation.
"No, I am really not unhappy about [being removed as lead investigator] at all," Botha said.
He said Moonoo would be able to get information and results faster.
"I am satisfied with that," Botha said.
Botha's removal came after reports on Thursday morning that he was charged with attempted murder.
Police later confirmed that seven attempted murder charges were hanging over his head.
Police said that in 2011 Botha allegedly fired shots at a minibus while trying to stop the vehicle. There were seven people inside at the time.
Botha had testified during Pistorius's bail application.
Bail After eight nights in police custody and a four days in court Pistoruis's bail application was granted.
Magistrate Desmond Nair granted Pistorius bail of R1m, with severe restrictions on his movement.
After listening to extensive argument, Nair ruled that he was not a flight risk, and that the State had not shown that he had a propensity for violence.
Pistorius had to pay R100 000 first, and the rest by 1 March.
His bail conditions include that he not be charged with any offence relating to violence against women.
Pistorius would not be allowed to return to Silver Woods country estate, the scene of the shooting; he has to surrender his passports; he cannot apply for travel documents; he must report to the Brooklyn police station on Mondays and Fridays at set times; and he can't take banned substances or alcohol.
He will live at an address not publicly disclosed, among other conditions.
The matter was postponed until 4 June.
Visit News24's Oscar Pistorius Special Report.
- SAPA
