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.Report By News24
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.
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“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.
