Pistorius family, media squeeze into court
2013-02-19 10:04
Pretoria - Oscar Pistorius's family was squashed between
journalists in the packed Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Tuesday ahead of his
appearance on a charge of murder.
Pistorius has been charged with the Valentine's Day shooting
of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
His brother Carl and sister Aimee barely spoke, as behind
and around them at least 130 people were crammed into the court, which usually
accommodates about 40 people, with more trying to get through the door.
Independent forensic pathologist for Pistorius, Reggie
Perumal, also arrived shortly after 09:30.
Crowds
Pistorius was brought to court early from the Brooklyn
police cells where he had been in custody since his first appearance on Friday.
He was brought in through a different entrance to the one
used on Friday, mostly escaping the glare of international publicity.
His family had already run the gauntlet of crowds waiting
outside the court and an official among those inside the court pleaded with the
public and media for order.
"We can't let one more person in. Please all step back
now," he said.
Steenkamp, a model and law graduate, was shot dead at
Pistorius's home at Silver Woods country estate in Pretoria last Thursday.
Her funeral takes place at a private ceremony in Port
Elizabeth on Tuesday.
During his emotional first court appearance, Pistorius heard
that the State intended arguing a case of pre-meditated murder against him.
On Friday, the court heard that the bail proceedings would
be taken up with argument on whether the crime he is charged with falls under
sections five or six of the Criminal Procedure Act.
If it is the latter, his lawyer Barry Roux has to show
exceptional circumstances for him to be released on bail.
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