Oscar Pistorius in tears in court, faces premeditated murder charge

Oscar Pistorius has appeared in court to face a murder charge in South Africa in relation to the death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The Olympic and Paralympic athlete was seen holding his head in his hands before breaking down in tears while his charge was read out.



Prosecutors have called for a case of "premeditated murder" in the case.

Pistorius disputes the murder charge against him "in the strongest terms", his family and management company have said.

His application for bail was postponed until next Tuesday (February 19), while he will remain in police custody.

Pistorius's family members - including sister Aimee, brother Carl and father Henke - consoled him by touching his shoulder as he left the Pretoria courtroom.

The court was full of reporters, with chief magistrate Desmond Nair presiding the hearing. Prosecutor Gerrie Nel argued for a "premeditated murder" charge.



Nair also ruled that no live recordings of the bail hearings will be made while discussing media coverage. The athlete's team were against media access in relation to his "extremely traumatised state of mind".

Prosecution and defence teams both agreed that Pistorius should remain in custody at a police station rather than prison.

Pistorius has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp following a shooting incident at his Pretoria home in the early hours of Thursday morning (February 14).

Steenkamp's PR agency said in a statement yesterday that they were "simply devastated" by her passing, adding: "She was the kindest, sweetest human being; an angel on earth and will be sorely missed."

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