Roux begins cross examination of Van Rensburg – Oscar Trial

Roux claimed the former commander of the Boschkop, Pretoria, police station, Col Giliam van Rensburg, gave more evidence than he needed to during Pistorius’s murder trial.

“You allowed yourself to give evidence that was designed to take the place of Mr Botha,” Roux put to Van Rensburg.

He was referring to the former investigating officer in Pistorius’s case, Hilton Botha. Botha has since resigned from the police. He mishandled evidence in the case.

Judge Thokozile Masipa asked Roux to simplify his statement.

“You are standing in for Mr Botha’s evidence on aspects that you cannot stand in for,” Roux said.

Van Rensburg denied this.

Shortly before this exchange, Roux asked the court if the State would call Botha to testify. This would determine how many questions Roux would put to Van Rensburg, he said.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel rose and said: “I don’t know yet, My Lady. We’ll decide that as the evidence comes.”

Pistorius claims someone broke into his house and hid in the toilet. He shot through the toilet door, killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in the early hours of February 14 last year. Van Rensburg was the first police officer on the scene.

Pistorius is accused of the premeditated murder of model and law graduate Steenkamp. He is also charged with contraventions in terms of the Firearms Control Act.

The athlete has denied guilt on all charges.

– Sapa