Oscar court preparation underway

Two police officers entered the court building with a sniffer dog and emerged again about 10 minutes later.

Security guards took up their positions inside and outside the court building.

A security supervisor said he expected a smooth day.

“There were a few glitches yesterday morning, but we managed to do well as the day progressed. Today [Tuesday] should go well,” said the supervisor, who declined to be named.

On Monday, Pistorius was mobbed by journalists and the public as he emerged from the court, flanked by security guards and police.

Pistorius is accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14 last year. He pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder, and contraventions under the Firearms Control Act, including possession of ammunition without a licence. He claims he mistook Steenkamp for a burglar.

The first witness Michelle Burger took the stand on Monday and testified that she heard a woman’s “blood-curdling” screams coming from his house on the night of the shooting.

Cross-examination of Burger was due to continue on Tuesday.

The proceedings in the wood-panelled courtroom were broadcast live on television and radio, with the initial indictment listing 107 witnesses to testify for the State.

– Sapa