Showbiz

Updated: Oscar Pistorius charged with murder over girlfriend shooting

Published Thursday, Feb 14 2013, 08:22 GMT | By Digital Spy

Oscar Pistorius has been charged with murder by South African police after his 30-year-old girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead at his home.

Police have told The AP that Pistorius is in custody after the incident, and was expected to appear in court later today (February 14). The appearance has now been postponed until tomorrow.

Oscar Pistorius in training for the London 2012 Paralympics

A murder case has been opened and South African police will reportedly oppose bail. It has been said that "other witnesses" were present at the shooting.

Paramedics declared Steenkamp dead at the scene.

"We found a 9mm pistol at the scene," Lt-Col Katlego Mogale said. "A 26-year-old man was taken into custody."

South African media have identified the woman as Pistorius's girlfriend Steenkamp, an FHM cover star, while police sources have confirmed that the woman was shot in the head and arm.

Oscar Pistorius, Boschkop police station, east of Pretoria, South Africa

Oscar Pistorius leaves a police station in South Africa

Reeva Steenkamp

Shiri Reouveni of Steenkamp's PR agency later confirmed to South Africa's Time that Steenkamp was the victim of the fatal shooting.

It has been speculated that she may have been shot after being mistaken for a burglar after planning a Valentine's surprise for Pistorius.

Steenkamp had posted several messages about Valentine's Day on Twitter yesterday.

What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow??? #getexcited #ValentinesDay
— Reeva Steenkamp (@reevasteenkamp) February 13, 2013

Pistorius's manager is quoted as telling eNCA correspondent Karyn Maughan that he is on his way to Pretoria and will issue a statement "once we know what is going on".

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said in a statement that it will not be passing comment on the case while the police investigation is underway, but offered "its deepest sympathy and condolences to all families involved in this case".

Last year, Pistorius became the first double leg amputee to compete in the Olympics, taking part in the men's 400 metres and 4x400 metre relay.

He also won two gold medals and a silver medal in the classes at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, setting a new Paralympic record in the T-44 class 400m final and a world record time in the T42-T46 4x100 metre relay.