“This is why I will give him space with the family. I know the people mean well, but you must give him space,” he was quoted as saying yesterday.

Louw said this prior to Pistorius’s R1 million bail which was granted in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

He said that Pistorius could start training on Monday once he was out on bail.

“I think just to get his mind, sort of, clear. The sooner he can start with a bit of work, the better,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement released on www.oscarpistorius.com, the paralympian’s uncle, Arnold Pistorius said: “Although we are obviously relieved that Oscar has been granted bail, this is still a very sad time for the family of Reeva and for us. We are grateful that the magistrate recognised the validity
and strength of our application,” he said.

“As the family, we are convinced that Oscar’s version of what happened on that terrible night will prove to be true.”

Meanwhile, AFP reports Nike on Thursday became the latest in a series of corporate giants to halt endorsements which have earned the athlete millions of dollars.

US sunglasses maker Oakley has already suspended its contract with him and French cosmetics firm Clarins said it was dropping an ad campaign featuring Pistorius.

The athlete became the first double amputee to compete at an Olympics at the London Games last year.

Off the track he has had a rocky private life with stories of rash behaviour, beautiful women, guns and fast cars.

He has built a powerful team of lawyers and public relations experts for his defence.

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