Pistorius arrives at court via back entrance

2013-02-19 07:27

Oscar Pistorius (File, Sapa)

Johannesburg - Murder accused paralympian Oscar Pistorius ducked into the back entrance of Pretoria Magistrate's Court early on Tuesday morning for his bail hearing.

Journalists were camped outside the court.

Pistorius was arrested last Thursday after his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, a model, law graduate, and participant in the Tropika Island of Treasure television show, was shot dead in his home.

Pistorius was formally charged on Friday with Steenkamp's murder.

At his arrival at court on Friday, Pistorius held a jacket over his head and a book in front of his face as cameramen surged towards the vehicle.

In court his father Henke and sister Aimee sat in the front row of the public gallery while Pistorius walked into the packed room wearing a dark suit. He stood quietly in the dock, his hands at his side.

After Magistrate Desmond Nair greeted him he put his hands to his mouth and wept. Nair asked him to be calm and he sat down.

Bail proceedings were postponed to allow the defence to prepare for forensic tests to support their argument that it was a "Section five" allegation.

State prosecutor Gerrie Nel, who also prosecuted former national police commissioner Jackie Selebi, told the court that the State would argue pre-meditated murder.

Pistorius was held at the Brooklyn Police station since Friday and not at a correctional services prison, because he needed sufficient time to consult his lawyers.

Steenkamp will be cremated in a ceremony closed to the public and the media in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.

According to a reporter, rugby player Francois Hougaard, a close friend of Steenkamp, arrived in Port Elizabeth for the memorial.

Pistorius' family and management company on Friday disputed claims that he had murdered Steenkamp.

Visit News24's Oscar Pistorius Special Report.

- SAPA