Pistorius family confident in justice system

Earlier, Judge Thokozile Masipa ordered that Pistorius be sent for a mental evaluation.

“As a family we are confident by the thoroughness and detail of this judgment and Judge Masipa’s commitment using every avenue to ensure a fair trial,” the paralympian’s uncle Arnold Pistorius said outside the High Court in Pretoria.

“It reaffirms our confidence in the South African justice system.”

Masipa said she was aware the evaluation would cause more delays, but maintained it was not about convenience but whether justice was served.

She said the idea was not to punish Pistorius, and the possibility of him being an out-patient should be investigated.

On Monday, forensic psychiatrist Merryll Vorster told the court Pistorius had general anxiety disorder. Based on this the State applied to have him referred for observation.

Pistorius is charged with murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. He shot her dead through the locked door of his toilet in his Pretoria home on February 14 last year.

Pistorius has denied guilt, saying he thought she was an intruder about to open the door and attack him. The State contends he shot her during an argument.

He also faces three charges relating to contraventions of the Firearms Control Act.

– Sapa