• Oscar Pistorius case

Pistorius' family: We know Oscar's version is the truth

ESPN staff
February 22, 2013
Arnold Pistorius has said: "[We] will prevail in the coming court case" © AP
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The family and lawyers of Oscar Pistorius spoke of their confidence that the 26-year-old's version of events would be proved to be true, after the Olympic and Paralympic athlete was granted bail on Friday.

Pistorius' version of how he mistakenly killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, believing her to be an intruder, led to magistrate Desmond Nair granting him bail on payment of 1,000,000 rand (£73,750).

Uncle Arnold Pistorius later spoke on behalf of his family to outline their determination to prove that accusations of premeditated murder - brought by the state - are false.

"As the family, we know Oscar's version of what happened that tragic night and we know that that is the truth and that will prevail in the coming court case," he said.

"We are relieved of the fact that Oscar got bail. But at the same time we are in mourning for the death of Reeva with her family.

"We are also grateful for the magistrate for coming to the conclusion and for our legal team that has delivered extremely professional and legal statements that led to the decision of giving bail."

Pistorius faces life in prison if convicted of premeditated murder. He will return to court on June 4, when it is likely a trial date will be set.

Speaking outside court, Medupe Simasiku, from South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), told reporters: "The bail application does not mean that this person is acquitted."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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