Analysis by Pumza Fihlani –There have now been 25 days of evidence in courtroom GD in Pretoria. The world has been following the Oscar Pistorius murder trial with keen interest. It has been a trial filled with tears from the distressed Olympic athlete, graphic images of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp’s wounds, and contradictions from the witnesses.
The judge and her assessors will decide if either side’s witnesses are credible and were truthful to the court. Until then, the state has painted a damning picture of South Africa’s “blade runner”, that of a hot-headed, gun-toting man, who killed his girlfriend in a fit of rage. The defence has countered that with piles of loving text messages between the pair.
Ms Steenkamp’s mother, June, has been present for most of the trial; she apparently wants to be a reminder to Mr Pistorius of his actions.
What of his actions? Well the athlete said his shooting of Ms Steenkamp was an accident. He has been careful not to accept any blame for her killing that would steer too close to admitting to intent. more at BBCnews
