Pistorius 'knows jail almost guaranteed'
The lead lawyer prosecuting Oscar Pistorius on murder charges has told a Pretoria bail hearing the sprinter knows a long spell in jail is “almost guaranteed” and is a flight risk.
“He hasn’t said so, but he must think that conviction is likely,” lead prosecutor Gerrie Nel said today.
“He must realise that a long term of imprisonment is almost guaranteed.
“If you’re looking at life imprisonment as a possibility, it’s not easy to stay if you have means to leave.”
Nel said “Pistorius has the international status to be accommodated elsewhere”.
The prosecutor said Pistorius had the “money, means and motive“ to flee if given bail, and described how WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was just as well known but had avoided bail by seeking refuge in London’s Ecuadorian Embassy.
But defence lawyer Roux said it would be difficult for Pistorius to flee as he would struggle with his prosthetic legs, which cannot go unnoticed through airport security, need maintenance and adjustment on a monthly basis, and his own legs need regular medical treatment.
“Blade Runner” Pistorius is charged with murder for shooting dead his girlfriend and is in court hoping to secure bail after three days of hearings in which the prosecution’s case was seriously undermined.
Prosecutors accuse the star sprinter of premeditated murder over the Valentine’s Day killing of his model law graduate girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, at his upscale home.
Pistorius denies the charge, saying that he shot 29-year-old Steenkamp repeatedly through a locked bathroom door in the dead of night by accident, having mistaken her for a burglar.
Defence lawyer Barry Roux has conceded Pistorius may face a homicide charge.
Today, the prosecution is expected to wrap up its closing arguments and Magistrate Desmond Nair will then have to decide whether to make a decision on bail or delay his finding until after the weekend.
Pistorius’ family is reported to be downcast at Friday morning’s proceedings, and the athlete is struggling to remain composed, with his eyes closed and his hands clasped.
The prosecution has seen its evidence repeatedly picked apart during the week’s proceedings, giving what observers say is a good chance for Pistorius to be released on bail as he awaits trial for the killing.
Earlier, South Africa’s police commissioner Riah Phiyega announced that lead officer Hilton Botha was being replaced after local media revealed he faced seven attempted murder charges for having opened fire on a minibus in 2011.
“We recognise the significance, the importance and the severity of the matter,” said Phiyega.
The country’s top detective, Lieutenant General Vinesh Moonoo, would take over the case, she said.
Charges against Botha, initially brought in 2009 and later withdrawn, had now been reinstated, said police spokesman Neville Malila.
They themselves had only been informed on Wednesday, he added.
The development further embarrassed the prosecution.
On the fourth day, some lawyers following the case said the state had failed to present a strong enough case to keep Pistorius behind bars.
The magistrate will rule on the bail application at 1230 GMT (2330 AEDT).
