Oscar – Nel broaches argument theory

“The only reasonable inference from circumstantial evidence is that there was an argument,” said prosecutor Gerrie Nel.

After an objection from Pistorius’s counsel Barry Roux, Nel said this evidence included testimony from witnesses who said they heard a woman screaming in the early hours of February 14 last year, when Steenkamp was shot dead in Pistorius’s toilet.

Pistorius had been alleging that the scene at his house had been altered and that a fan was moved.

Nel suddenly said: “It was moved when you and the deceased got in an argument,” prompting Roux’s objection.

Nel said his case would say “when you got up you had an argument. That’s why she ran away screaming”.

Nel said this was the only “reasonable inference”.

Pistorius has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder he faces. He said he thought there was an intruder about to enter his home when he suddenly fired four shots at the toilet door, killing Steenkamp inside the toilet with three of the shots.

He has also denied guilt on a charge of illegal possession of ammunition and two counts of discharging a firearm in public.

– Sapa