Concerns over Pistorius's emotional state
2013-02-16 09:34
Pretoria – While the State has welcomed a request by
Oscar Pistorius's defence team to postpone the bail application, his legal team
have become increasingly concerned about the Paralympian’s emotional
well-being.
During the first day at court on Friday, the State hinted
the strength of its case by indicating it would argue premeditated murder,
EWN reported.
The "Blade Runner" allegedly shot and killed his model girlfriend
Reeva Steenkamp at his Pretoria East home on Thursday.
State prosecutor Gerrie Nel told the court the State was
ready to proceed with its opposition to Pistorius’s bid for freedom.
But Nel welcomed a request by defence advocate Barry Roux
to postpone the matter until Tuesday, as it allows the police time to gather
more evidence
On Friday an emotional Pistorius broke down several times
in the Pretoria Magistrates Court.
Roux said told EWN that his client was in an “extreme traumatised
state of mind”.
While the legal team discussed how matters would proceed,
Pistorius wept uncontrollably, but was comforted by his father – who sat behind
him in the public gallery.
His brother and sister, supported by close friends, were
also there to support him.
Pistorius will spend the weekend at the Brooklyn Police
Station and apply for bail when he returns to court on Tuesday.
Visit News24's Oscar Pistorius Special Report.
