State files arguments in Pistorius case

“We have filed the closing arguments in the high court today and are ready to argue,” said spokesman Nathi Mcube.

Final argument in Pistorius’ murder trial will be heard on August 7.

On July 8, Judge Thokozile Masipa ruled that no heads of argument could be published in print or electronic media until the commencement of the arguments in court.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel made the application to prevent publication.

Masipa said the broadcast or publication of such documents, before they had been heard in court, was theft.

The paralympian is on trial for shooting dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14 last year.

He claims he shot her by accident through the locked door of his toilet in his Pretoria home, thinking she was an intruder about to emerge and attack him.

The State contends he killed her during an argument.

Pistorius underwent a month-long psychiatric evaluation at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, after which the court heard he did not suffer from general anxiety disorder.

– Sapa