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Oscar Pistorius trial continues
Ocasr Pistorius's murder trial is expected to continue in the High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday, after the State asked for him to undergo psychiatric observation.
FILE PICTURE: Paralympian Oscar Pistorius sits in the dock during the testimony of a defence witness at his murder trial at the high court in Pretoria on Tuesday, 6 May 2014. The 27-year-old double amputee sprinter is accused of the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day last year.Picture: Alon Skuy/Times Media Group/Pool
On Monday, forensic psychiatrist Merryll Vorster testified that Pistorius suffered from a general anxiety disorder.
“It’s a disorder, My Lady, it has been diagnosed as a mental illness,” prosecutor Gerrie Nel said.
“The State is bringing that application… that this court will refer Mr Pistorius for mental observation.”
Barry Roux, SC, for Pistorius, objected to Nel’s application.
Nel asked: “If a person is suffering from a general anxiety disorder, can he be a danger to society?”
Vorster responded: “Yes.”
Nel asked: “Would this make him a dangerous person?”
“Yes,” Vorster replied.
Pistorius is charged with murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. He shot her dead through the locked door of his toilet in his Pretoria home on February 14 last year. Pistorius has denied guilt, saying he thought she was an intruder about to open the door and attack him. The State contends he shot her during an argument.
Pistorius is also charged with three contraventions of the Firearms Control Act — one of illegal possession of ammunition and two of discharging a firearm in public. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges as well.
– Sapa
