Oscar Pistorius Formally Charged With The Murder Of Girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

Oscar Pistorius, has been indicted on charges of murder and illegal possession of ammunition today, after the death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, on what would have been her 30^th birthday.

The South African court of Pretoria set the trial date to 3^rd March 2014.

The athlete held hands and prayed with siblings, Carl and Aimee as he wiped away tears before the hearing.

The double-amputee Olympian, which earned him the title ‘blade runner,’ was released on bail in February after being accused of shooting dead model Steenkamp at his home in the early hours of Valentine’s Day.

29-year-old Reeva was found in the toilet next to the main bedroom and her cause of death was due to multiple bullet wounds.

Pistorius claims that he shot his girlfriend in self-defence believing she was an intruder in his home.

Reeva Steenkamp would have celebrated her 30th birthday today.

State prosecutors argue that Pistorius killed Steenkamp after a fight and the court summary reads, “Some of the state witnesses heard a woman scream, followed by moments of silence, then heard gunshots and then more screaming,”

Over 100 witnesses have been listed by the prosecution including, Pistorius’ ex-girlfriend Samantha Taylor.

Considered a national hero in South Africa, the 26-year-old was admired worldwide in 2012, after winning gold at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London and competing in the Olympics 400m semi-final.