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The Oscar trial day 17: Top five things you need to know
JOBURG – Here is a recap of what happened in court today when the Oscar Pistorius trial resumed at the North Gauteng High Court.
- The trial continued this morning with Oscar Pistorius taking the stand and testifying against the charges levelled against him. Defence advocate Barry Roux said he would deal with the two firearm charges before moving on to the murder charge.
- When asked about the first firearm charge, in which the State claims Pistorius discharged his firearm through the sunroof of a vehicle, the blade runner said, ‘It never happened.’ He went on to say that Darren Fresco was given a fine when stopped by a police officer on the road and his gun was inspected by the officer when they were pulled over. Pistorius said the officer then left.
- The next incident which Pistorius explained in detail was the firearm being discharged at Tasha’s restaurant. He testified that he asked Fresco for his firearm and, as he attempted to make the firearm safe, a shot went off as the round came out of the chamber. He said Fresco took the blame for the incident, as it was he who had handed Pistorius a loaded weapon.
- Pistorius then went on to explain what happened on the night of the shooting. He said he arrived home at about 6pm that night and noticed a wrapped gift with a card marked ‘Ozzy’. He said Reeva told him that he could only open the gift the next day (Valentine’s Day). He became emotional when he said that he opened the gift on August 8, explaining that it was Reeva’s birthday. The gift was a photo frame with four pictures of the couple.
- He then went on to explain how he thought there was an intruder in his home and all that he wanted to do was to protect Reeva. He drew his firearm and screamed to Reeva to get on the floor and to call the police. He said that he fired through the door. Pistorius was very emotional in court and began to sob. Court was adjourned for the day.
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