The lawyers or Oscar Pistorius are making the necessary preparations for the South African athlete to have his passport returned. They will appeal this to the High Court, but the prosecution is keen on countering this move by the defense. Members of the prosecution have stressed early on that they oppose any travels abroad by the South African Paralympian. Medupe Simasiku, the regional National Prosecuting Authority reiterated their stand on this matter in a recent interview.
Tragic Valentine
Pistorius (26 years old) was arrested for the killing of model Reeva Steenkamp (29 years old). On February 14, 2013, Pistorius allegedly shot Steenkamp, his girlfriend, multiple times to her death through the locked door of the toilet of his Pretoria apartment. According to the athlete, he thought that Steenkamp was an intruder. This was the primary defense he presented during the trial.
Despite the murder charges, supporters and family members of Pistorius firmly believe in his innocence and they maintain that the athlete would never do any harm to Steenkamp. But they said that they have full respect for the law and understand that court proceedings must take their due course. They also realized that this was only the beginning of a very long haul for the athlete and the whole family as well.
Out on bail
Pistorius is now out on bail with 100,000 rand paid up front for his temporary freedom. The bail is set at 1 million rand or US$110, 000. Pistorius was directed by the Court to turn in his passport and guns and was directed not to take alcoholic drinks or prohibited drugs of any kind. In addition, he should report to the police station on weekdays (Monday to Friday) between 7 am and 1 pm.
The fight continues and Pistorius has already liquidated some of his investments in order to fulfill the ever mounting legal expenses as he faces this murder case.
Not a flight risk
The petition to return Pistorius’ passport refers to the evidence presented during the trial. His attorneys argue that he ought to be given official permission to travel abroad. Another argument was also presented stating that Pistorius does not require supervision from a correctional/probation officer at this time.
In deep mourning
Sources close to Pistorius disprove the rumours that the Paralympian has suicidal tendencies. His family discounts the claims that Pistorius has thoughts to end his life. On the contrary, he has a “purpose in life” and is fully determined to achieve his goals. He is in deep mourning, but not suicidal, they reiterated. The statement dispelling the rumors on “suicidal tendencies” was released by the family of the famed sprint runner on Monday.
A close family member has talked to the media and said that the tragic events have brought the whole family closer together. They are providing Oscar all the support that he needs and that they will be with him throughout this fight. The family will do everything in their power to help Pistorius, the first double-leg amputee to enter in the 400 metres category in the recently concluded London Olympics.
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