Judge Thokozile Masipa begins Pistorius judgement

She was flanked by her two assessors, Themba Mazibuko and Janette Henzen-du Toit.

LIVE VIDEO FEED: Oscar Pistorius Judgment

A court official earlier put papers on her bench, and another ordered silence in the court.

“Before the judge comes in we want utter silence. And when she leaves no hustle and bustle, please, ladies and gentlemen,” he said.

He also instructed that there be no eating in court and asked media to look after their cellphones and laptops.

Ahead of Masipa’s arrival, the orderly instructed that phones’ sound be switched off.

Pistorius, 27, said he thought an intruder was behind the door of the toilet in his Pretoria home when he shot through it. He fired four times, killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, 2013.

The State says the murder was premeditated.

Pistorius pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, and to three firearm-related charges.

– Sapa