Oscar Pistorius has been formally charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The prosecution has told the court it plans to argue that the murder was premeditated. The judge, Magistrate Desmond Nair, described Pistorius as “a person charged with premeditated murder”.
The Olympian was supported by family in the public gallery while a large number of reporters packed the courthouse.
Pistorius, 26, broke down in tears on several occasions, first when Magistrate Nair read out the charge against him.
A bail hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday. Pistorius will remain in police custody in Brooklyn, Pretoria until then.
The hearing was scheduled for 7.00 GMT this morning but was delayed for two hours as defence lawyers objected to the large presence of media inside and outside the courtroom.
South African newspaper The Beeld has reported that Steenkamp was shot through the bathroom door in Pistorius’ home.
Pistorius arrived at the courthouse in a police vehicle, covering his face with a book in the back seat.
David Smith, Africa correspondent for The Guardian, has been reporting on proceedings live from the courthouse via his twitter account @SmithInAfrica.
"The state versus Mr Oscar Leonard Pistorius." Charge of one count of murder.
— David Smith (@SmithInAfrica) February 15, 2013
Pistorius in suit stands in dock. He breaks down in tears, fingers pressed to his eyes. He sits with head bowed.
— David Smith (@SmithInAfrica) February 15, 2013
Pistorius sobbing, shaking, almost bending over double in the dock as legal arguments continue.
— David Smith (@SmithInAfrica) February 15, 2013
Application for bail hearing to be postponed until Tuesday.
— David Smith (@SmithInAfrica) February 15, 2013
Judge Nair uses phrase "a person charged with premeditated murder" and again Pistorius bends forward, head in hands, sobbing.
— David Smith (@SmithInAfrica) February 15, 2013
