Pistorius explains how he shot Reeva

By The NewsDay | Feb. 20, 2013 | 3 Min read

FULL TEXT of affidavit by double amputee South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius which was read in court yesterday in support of his bail application on charges of the murder of his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, who was shot four times, according to prosecutors. Bail application continues this morning.

—Daily Mail

I am an adult male, South African citizen and applicant in this application and seek to be released on bail.

I make this affidavit of my own free will and have not been influenced. Contents are true and correct.

I fail to understand how I could be charged with murder, let alone premeditated murder because I had no intention to kill my girlfriend.

I have been informed I have been accused of murder – I deny the accusation.

Nothing can be further from the truth that I planned the murder of my girlfriend. I have no intention to relocate as I love my country.

I earn R5,6m (£407 000) a year. I’ve never been convicted of crimes. I deny in the strongest point that I committed murder. Even though I don’t have to, I want to deal with these allegations.

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Reeva had bought me a present for Valentine’s Day. We were deeply in love. We were deeply in love and couldn’t be happier. I loved her and I know she felt the same way.

On February 13 Reeva would have gone out with her friends, me with mine. She wanted to stay at home. I was watching TV. My legs were off. She was doing yoga. At the end of the evening we got into bed.

I’m acutely aware of people gaining entries to homes to commit crime. I’ve received death threats.

I sleep with my 9mm under my bed. I woke up to close the sliding door and heard a noise in the bathroom.

I was scared and didn’t switch on the light. I got my gun and moved towards the bathroom. I screamed at the intruder because I did not have my legs on I felt vulnerable. I fired shots through the bathroom door and told Reeva to call the police.

I walked back to the bed and realised Reeva was not in bed. It is then it dawned on me it could be her in there. I kicked the door open. I called paramedics and complex security. I tried to carry her downstairs for help.

I tried to help her, but she died in my arms. I am mortified. With the benefit of hindsight, I realise that Reeva went to the bathroom when I went to close the balcony door.

I trust the South African legal system and the facts will show that I did not murder Reeva.

I believe the forensic evidence will prove what I am saying. I used a cricket bat to break open the toilet door.

I am an international sports star. I will not evade my trial. After the shooting, I did not flee the scene. I remained until the police arrived. I don’t know of any witnesses in this matter and I won’t interfere with any witnesses.

My continued incarceration will be of no benefit to the State. Release would not disturb the public order.