Oscar Pistorius leaves the North Gauteng High Court. Photo: Corné van Zyl.
The day began by questioning forensic geologist expert Roger Dixon for a second day. He went on to explain in detail about the light and sound tests he conducted. He also played the sound tests he conducted for the court of a cricket bat striking a door and a firearm being discharged.
State prosecutor Gerrie Nel then began his cross examination of the expert and he opened by asking him what his qualifications are. Dixon, one of the experts from the defence team, replied by saying he was currently employed at the University of Pretoria’s geology department in the lab and confirmed he was not affiliated to any forensic body.
Nel then began to shake the witness by asking him if he knew what it meant to be an expert witness. He said yes and explained what it meant and Nel then asked if he was a sound expert. He replied, “I hope that my evidence is sound.” An irritated Nel asked again, “No sir! Are you an expert in decibels and sound?” Dixon then dodged the question by listing the other experts who was involved in his tests.
Nel then asked about the fibres off the door, asking Dixon if he had analysed them. He said that he looked at them under a microscope. Nel then asked whether or not Dixon was in possession of the socks or not. Dixon tried evading the question with another lengthy explanation, but Nel immediately interrupted and asked the expert to strictly answer the question.
Dixon responded, “I didn’t have possession of the socks. I made my deductions from seeing the fibres and a photo.” Nel continued his scrutiny of the witness throughout the day, questioning him, to which Dixon tried to give lengthy evasive answers. Court was then adjourned and Nel will continue his cross examination tomorrow morning.
