Paralympic
superstar Oscar Pistorius was today adjusting to his new life: free,
but as one of the world’s most famous criminal suspects.
Despite his lawyers’ attempts to keep it secret, journalists and
photographers quickly established the athlete’s bail address in
Pretoria.
The 26-year-old is likely to have to endure near constant attention
as he waits for trial, which may happen this year, but could take
longer.
News that Mr Pistorius won bail at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court
was greeted by cheers from his family and supporters in court on
Saturday, after four days of high drama in the courtroom.
Critics of the decision, however, have already voiced concern that it
sends the wrong message about how seriously South Africa tackles its
high rate of violence against women.
Mr Pistorius has been accused of murdering his model girlfriend of
four months, Reeva Steenkamp, by shooting her in the head, leg, hip and
hand while she cowered on his toilet.
The athlete – nicknamed Blade Runner – insists it was an accident and a result of mistaken identity.
Following the decision to grant bail on Saturday, the athlete’s PR team released a statement from the sportsman’s uncle Arnold, saying: “We are grateful that the magistrate recognised the validity and strength of our application.
“As the family, we are convinced that Oscar’s version of what happened on that terrible night will prove to be true.”
However, South Africa’s criminal prosecution agency hit back at speculation that he bail decision had damaged its case against Mr Pistorius.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Medupe Simasiku said: “We are confident of the case which we have been handling.”
Mr Simasiku went on: “Being a bail application, it [the court's decision] doesn’t mean an acquittal. We still have a case to deal with, and we respect the ruling of the court so far.
“We still believe we have the evidence to convict Oscar Pistorius, but I cannot give details regarding what it is.”
The prosecution has been stung by strong criticism for the way the police handled the initial investigation.
But Mr Simasiku said: “That criticism doesn’t mean we should lose hope.”
The athlete – nicknamed Blade Runner – insists it was an accident and a result of mistaken identity.
Following the decision to grant bail on Saturday, the athlete’s PR team released a statement from the sportsman’s uncle Arnold, saying: “We are grateful that the magistrate recognised the validity and strength of our application.
“As the family, we are convinced that Oscar’s version of what happened on that terrible night will prove to be true.”
However, South Africa’s criminal prosecution agency hit back at speculation that he bail decision had damaged its case against Mr Pistorius.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Medupe Simasiku said: “We are confident of the case which we have been handling.”
Mr Simasiku went on: “Being a bail application, it [the court's decision] doesn’t mean an acquittal. We still have a case to deal with, and we respect the ruling of the court so far.
“We still believe we have the evidence to convict Oscar Pistorius, but I cannot give details regarding what it is.”
The prosecution has been stung by strong criticism for the way the police handled the initial investigation.
But Mr Simasiku said: “That criticism doesn’t mean we should lose hope.”
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