State prosecutor Gerrie Nel cross-examines paralympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius during his murder trial at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Wednesday, 9 April 2014. Pistorius sobbed in the witness stand on Tuesday as he described how, gripped by fear, he shot dead his girlfriend through a locked toilet door thinking she was an intruder. Picture: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters/Pool
Nel: Again you’re blaming your counsel… Why didn’t Roux contest that? OP says only heard after evidence – ^CV
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OP says he knew they were at events and have had communication. (Fresco and Samantha said they didn’t communicate) – ^CV
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Oscar says (with confidence) “it never happened. they made it all up”. Nel: then its a terrible fabrication as its not all same
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Nel: I state your version is so improbable… What do you say to that”. OP: I’m sorry my lady I thought it was a statement #OscarTrial – ^CV
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OP says it is an assumption #OscarTrial – ^CV
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Nel says if fan is moved to where the duvet is the cord will not reach. OP says it can- ^CV
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Until the prosecutor is satisfied pearlym How long can the accused be in the stand for?! – ^AW
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Nel points out that yesterday OP didn’t point out these differences in the photo – ^CV
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OP says the fan was moved because it was where the duvet is in photo. – ^CV
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OP: There was enough ambient light after I opened the door and screamed to put legs on. OP says his legs were where the fan is
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Nel: You had to put on your protheses…you didn’t switch on a light?! OP answers quite confidently – ^CV
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OP: I’m not sure – ^CV
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Nel sarcastically: So a policeman had to move the fan and the duvet. Is this a conspiracy? Why would they do that? – ^CV
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Nel: She screamed and ran away (from you). Roux objects and said he can not put it to OP as there is no evidence – ^CV
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OP: The fan had to have moved. Nel: it wasn’t moved. The doors were open when you had an argument – ^CV
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Family member sighs as Nel says “don’t argue mr Pistorius, just answer the question” – ^CV
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Nel: you never closed those curtains. OP said he did
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Nel accuses OP of a lying in his version- ^CV
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Nel shows pic of fan in front of balcony. Nel: the fan is in the way. How could you have shouted for help on the balcony? – ^CV
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Nel: If she got up on right you would see her. OP: I would probably have sensed her, I agree. – ^CV
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OP says he didn’t see Reeva in bed but remembers the duvet over her legs – ^CV
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OP says the duvet was over Reeva’s legs. Nel: So you can remember THAT – ^CV
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Nel accuses OP of adapting his version – ^CV
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Nel: where was the duvet. OP: on the bed. Nel: where on the bed? OP: Reeva was under duvet – ^CV
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Roux saying they will check records, Nel must ask a different question. – ^CV
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Roux and Nel clearly annoyed with one another. Nel comments the defence must object if they think something improper – ^CV
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OP talking about picking up the jean on the floor and put over LED light. Nel: then you’d face the passage – ^CV
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Nel: in your peripheral vision, you didn’t see anything? OP: never mind my peripheral vision, I didn’t see anything – ^CV
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Nel asks where Oscar was facing and OP said he didn’t look towards the bed. – ^CV
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OP: the fans are at my height – ^CV
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Nel: Reeva was 2m away from u. How did you not notice her as you bent down to pick up the fans OP: I don’t need to bent down – ^
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OP: The balcony light was on and you could see certain objects on the floor – ^CV
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Nel asking about lighting in the bedroom. How dark it was…if he saw Reeva etc – ^CV
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OP: I sat up in bed. Nel: Do you know what woke you up? OP: No it was humid and hot – ^CV
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OP: We were looking at things on my iPad and her phone – ^CV
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OP said prostheses on right side of bed next to fan to air out. – ^CV
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Oscar says he didn’t want to face away from Reeva & thus slept on left side of bed. When she’s not there he slept middle of bed
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Nel asks why OP was sleeping on the left side of the bed. OP says because of his shoulder – ^CV
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OP said as he finished conversation with his cousin Reeva went to bathroom and called him to go brush his teeth – ^CV
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OP I was surfing the net on my iPad and later talked to my cousin (on the phone) – ^CV
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OP said Reeva made a chicken stir fry on the night of her death. Nel: So as far as you know she didn’t eat again. – ^CV
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Nel: Where was the iPad found? OP: On the right, her side. I must have fallen asleep and she put it there – ^CV
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OP says he can’t remember firing four shots. – ^CV
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Nel asking OP to recount ONLY what he remembered. Not what he reconstructed. – ^CV
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We are back – ^CV
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While breaks (and actually for the rest of the day) why not tune into <
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Barry Roux walks out of court smiling and chatting to Oscar’s family. – ^CV
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Lunch – ^CV
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OP says he fired at the door. “It was an accident” Oscar more emotional now. – ^CV
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Nel: why did you fire? OP: I heard a noise in that split second I was scared. – ^CV
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OP admits there was no reason for him to have fired. Nel: If you waited… OP: That is correct (voice softer) – ^CV
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OP:I never intended to kill anybody. Nel:so you didn’t intend to shoot robbers? OP: that is correct. I didn’t have time to think
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OP says he has never said he can’t remember firing at door. – ^CV
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Nel: but yesterday you said you can’t remember quick succession? OP: That is not true – ^CV
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Nel asking about the shots OP fired through bathroom door. Nel: How quick? OP: Quick. – ^CV
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Judge Masipa: “I hope it doesn’t happen again. I just want to say (to gallery) this is not entertainment. Restrain yourselves” –
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Judge Masipa: “I hope it doesn’t happen again. I just want to say (to gallery) this is not entertainment. Constrain yourselves”
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When Nel asks who told him OP replies he can’t remember. Nel and court laughs but Nel quickly apologises. – ^CV
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Nel: Again you’re blaming your counsel… Why didn’t Roux contest that? OP says only heard after evidence – ^CV
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OP says he knew they were at events and have had communication. (Fresco and Samantha said they didn’t communicate) – ^CV
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Oscar says (with confidence) “it never happened. they made it all up”. Nel: then its a terrible fabrication as its not all same
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Nel: “You will not concede anything. Oscar Pistorious will not concede to anything….” – ^CV
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OP: Im not saying that. I can’t remember – ^CV
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OP says he can’t remember if anybody was with him when he signed the gun papers. Nel: So Fresco and Taylor made it up? – ^CV
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Nel: is she lying? Is she making it up? OP answers in a heartbeat. “Yes” – ^CV
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Nel: is she lying? Is she making it up? OP answers in a heartbeat. “Yes” – ^CV
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OP can’t recall. Nel: but you criticised her for not remembering where it was – ^CV
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Samantha Taylor has previously said they went to a house after he allegedly shot through the sunroof a a car. – ^CV
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Nel asking whether OP was still agitated when they drove off – ^CV
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OP says policeman didn’t handle the situation professionally. – ^CV
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Nel grilling OP on why he was agitated with the police officer – ^CV
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OP has admitted that his gun was “one up” on the boat and in the car – ^CV
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OP says he doesn’t remember whether it was “one up” but it had to be – ^CV
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Nel: You had to have the gun “one up” on the boat if the policeman ejected a bullet. – ^CV
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OP agrees he should not have left his gun on the car seat when they left the dam. – ^CV
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June Steenkamp walks out of court with a friend. Her lawyer, Dup De Bruyn is still here – ^CV
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Nel depicting Oscar as a macho man wanting to show off his gun – ^CV
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Nel: “You can’t conceal a firearm in shorts without a shirt so no one can see it” Oscar: I can’t remember – ^CV
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Nel: That is negligent! OP denies it is – ^CV
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OP admits he put his gun in a towel while he was swimming. – ^CV
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OP: Are you incapable of saying “thats wrong” when talking about yourself. – ^CV
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OP saying he always had his gun with him. – ^CV
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Apologies, counsel has been autocorrected to council in tweets. – ^CV
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Nel asks whether OP talked to dad. “I stayed in my room..I didn’t converse with anyone” – ^CV
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Nel:if it is against the law,plead guilty. OP:I’ll have to consult with my council. Nel (laughs): No, you will not have a chance
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OP: this is one of those times when I forgot to put it in the safe. – ^CV
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OP says he doesn’t know what this has to do with the charge… Nel: I’m dealing with your negligence as a gun owner. – ^CV
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OP says “at times” he would put the magazine in the safe. – ^CV
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Nel:I just remembered something. You left a magazine in your bedside table…not in safe. OP: that is correct Nel: that is illegal
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OP says his understanding was that he could keep the ammo safe just not use it Nel: the law is clear – ^CV
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Nel says OP is a gun enthusiast and would know the gun law. – ^CV
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OP: I don’t’ understand the q. Nel: I don’t understand why you pleaded not guilty (on count 4) – ^CV
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Nel: it is the fourth time you blame your council – ^CV
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OP says Roux said it is o.k if he keeps his father’s ammunition in his safe. Nel: He would never have said that – ^CV
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Nel very dramatical and smiling broadly as Oscar answers his questions. – ^CV
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OP says he and his dad have not communicated for “months” – ^CV
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OP says the .38 ammunition found in his safe (count 4) was his fathers. – ^CV
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OP says he has never shouted or lost his temper with Reeva but did get upset with her sometimes. – ^CV
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OP saying he was late for Fresco’s party because he had to pick up Reeva’s friend (who is in court) Gina Myers – ^CV
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Nel going back to Whatsapp msg’s “i picked up something” – ^CV
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OP says he carries “one up” in his chamber but wouldn’t in Fresco’s gun as it doesn’t have the safety mechanism. – ^CV
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Nel says OP is lying if he says he didn’t pull the trigger. – ^CV
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Nel: “I put it to you you fired that gun” – ^CV
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Nel: That is a good example of you not taking responsibility. OP: I did take responsibility i said I’d pay for the damages – ^CV
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OP said the media would have misinterpreted the incident. “I didn’t want it anywhere in the media” – ^CV
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Nel referring to msg Oscar asked Reeva not to say anything (regarding the incident at Tasha) – ^CV
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We are back in session – ^CV
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OP: “I didn’t have time to think” – ^CV
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Nel asked why OP didn’t check if the magazine was in. OP: I didn’t. I should have but I didn’t – ^CV
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Nel: could you say perhaps my finger was on the trigger? OP: No, i know my finger was not on the trigger. – ^CV
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Nel: Did it bother you that the gun went off on its own? OP: everything about the situation bothered me. – ^CV
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OP: I did say i was sorry and said I would pay for damages. I didn’t elaborate on why i was sorry – ^CV
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Nel: “You see mr Pistorius you blame everyone but yourself” – ^CV
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OP: I didn’t pull the trigger – ^CV
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Nel asks why Roux didn’t object about this fact. “Are you saying Roux was wrong” Nel: “you blame everyone….now your council – ^C
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OP says his finger wasn’t on the trigger. Nel: Mangena (state witness) proved it impossible to fire without finger on trigger –
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OP explains why he wanted to look at Fresco’s gun. Says he wanted to buy a flashlight for the gun and wanted to look at it. – ^C
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OP says the bullet fell on the chair – when he made the gun safe. After that the round went off – ^CV
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OP: “we were both negligent, it was a stupid thing to do” – ^CV
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OP: Mr Fresco was negligent in giving it to me – ^CV
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Nel accuses OP of not taking responsibility. – ^CV
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Nel: So we must accept the gun went off by itself. – ^CV
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Nel says: “Talking about taking responsibility. Lets move to Tasha’s”. – ^CV
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OP says it was his fault that he did not speak to her like a lady the night they argued at event. – ^CV
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OP says he wanted to leave the event but Reeva started talking to people and they had to leave 45min later. – ^CV
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OP said he can’t remember what song he played. – ^CV
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Nel says after OP and her had a fight he put on a song with the words “bitch don’t kill my vibe”. It offended Reeva. – ^CV
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OP says in the relationship he sometimes felt he was right and she felt she was right…”that’s how it goes”. – ^CV
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Nel: `you were late but you blamed her that you had to pick up her friend. – ^CV
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Nel: You want the attention on Oscar. – ^CV
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Nel disputing and chipping away at the ‘loving relationship’ OP said they shared. – ^CV
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Nel: you blame her. she didn’t introduce you and that’s why I was upset. My feelings were hurt – ^CV
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Nel points to a message where OP said he was angry that she didn’t introduce him to a man she was chatting to. – ^CV
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Nel says “you humiliated her. In her experience anyway”. By telling her her voices were annoying or chewing gum. – ^CV
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Nel: You even told Reeva to stop chewing gum. OP: we were at an event and my manager has previously told me it looks bad – ^CV
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Nel again points out that everything is about Pistorius. – ^CV
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OP I did. She was practising an accent for a role and she was talking in the accent over lunch. I told her it was annoying. – ^C
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Nel refers to her voice and accent OP said was annoying. “That is terrible. Why would you say that?” – ^CV
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Nel asks again why OP didn’t follow up on Reeva wanting to tell him she loved him. OP said he did. – ^CV
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OP: I would never tell someone I love them over a text message for the first time. I wanted to call. – ^CV
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OP: I would never tell someone I love them over a text message for the first time. I wanted to call. – ^CV
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Nel she says she fell in love with you and wanted to tell you. “Why didn’t you deal with it? You didn’t care” – ^CV
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Nel: why didn’t you send a note to Roux saying you were lying. OP: i can’t remember sending a note about this. – ^CV
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Nel: why didn’t you send a note to Roux saying you were lying. OP: i can’t remember sending a note about this. – ^CV
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OP says many of the things Samantha said was lying. Nel: why didn’t mr Roux say she was lying. – ^CV
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Nel says “you screamed at Samantha Taylor” OP: I can’t remember I ever screamed at her. I did scream at her friend once” – ^CV
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OP: I hurt her feelings. – ^CV
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Nel: Why would she be scared of you. OP: she is scared of the feelings she had for me and how I reacted. – ^CV
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Nel asks about the ‘tantrums’ Reeva refers to in the messages. OP says Reeva exaggerated. – ^CV
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Nel: you were living a double standard relationship. – ^CV
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“I, I it is all about mr. Pistorius” Nel says. – ^CV
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OP said he had to leave party earlier. Nel: it’s all about you. “You had training….you had to go…” – ^CV
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OP says he thought she was flirting with someone. Reeva: “It makes me sick that you would suggest that”. – ^CV
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OP insists he never picked on her incessantly – ^CV
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OP says her feelings were just hurt and he understands that. – ^CV
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Going through messages again. Nel: We don’t have her here. This is her voice. She says you pick on her. OP: No. Nel: did she lie
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Reeva’s messages are shown in court. – ^CV
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OP emotional.Nel reads back apology. “You never said you are sorry for killing Reeva, just their pain” OP: Im terribly sorry… –
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OP: I never had the opportunity to meet her parents. I don’t think they would want to meet me and I completely understand. – ^CV
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Nel asks if OP thought about the Steenkamp’s, how they must have felt. “Did you think about it?” OP: Yes – ^CV
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Nel: Why make a spectacle in court in a public domain. OP: I didn’t think about what I would say. – ^CV
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Nel talks about the apology. “Did you feel better?” OP: “No I don’t think I ever can”. – ^CV
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Nel: we did a search and ‘I love you ‘appeared twice and Reeva said it to her mom. OP: I never got the chance to say it to her –
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We are in court. Nel asks Pistorius about their relationship and arguments. – ^CV
— The_Citizen_Reporter (@CitiReporter) April 10, 2014
Oscar is not yet in court but he has arrived. – ^CV
— The_Citizen_Reporter (@CitiReporter) April 10, 2014
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