'He shot her - that's it': Detective who first led Oscar Pistorius murder case says why he is convinced Blade Runner is guilty

• Detective Hilton Botha was criticised for bungling the investigation
  
• He stepped down from the case after he was charged with attempted murder
  
• Botha describes the incident as 'open-and-closed case'

By Tara Brady
PUBLISHED: 17:51 GMT, 1 May 2013 | UPDATED: 22:16 GMT, 1 May 2013



The detective who first led the Oscar Pistorius murder case has said he is convinced the Paralympic gold medalist is guilty.

Detective Hilton Botha was heavily criticised for his bungling of the investigation into the murder of Pistorius' girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp who was shot dead in the blade runner's house.

Botha was then forced to step down when it emerged he faced his own charges of attempted murder for a 2011 case in which he and two other officers fired on a vehicle in an attempt to make it stop.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Botha, who knew Pistorius from a previous arrest on assault charges, said: 'The only place there could have been entrance was the open bathroom window and we did everything we could to see if anyone went through it, and it was impossible.

'So I thought it was an open-and-closed case. He shot her - that's it.'

Pistorius, 26, is charged with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva, who was shot after she locked herself in his bathroom in the early hours of Valentine’s Day. He claims he mistook her for an intruder.

The prosecution says it was a premeditated murder, but his defence advocate has argued there is no evidence to suggest the athlete's account of events is untrue.

In a dramatic twist, it then emerged that Detective Botha had been charged with seven counts of attempted murder.

The case was previously dropped but he was charged again and Lieutenant General Vinesh Moonoo replaced Botha as lead investigator.

....more at link
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... uilty.html

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

The angry world of Oscar Pistorius
John Johnson, Newser11:15 a.m. EDT May 17, 2013

Oscar Pistorius returns to court next month for his murder trial, notes theHuffington Post, and anyone interested in the case should make a newVanity Fairpiece required reading. The article by Mark Seal doesn't have any bombshell revelations on the main question—did the amputee Olympian murder girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in a rage or, as he insists, mistake her for a burglar?—but it paints a more complete portrait of all the main players, including the detective convinced of the athlete's guilt, and recounts the night of the killing. Pistorius in particular comes off as an egomaniac with long-standing anger issues.

...more at link
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/worl ... s/2193965/

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

BLADE Runner Oscar Pistorius tenderly cuddles girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

— in their final photo four days before he shot her dead.



The Paralympics ace, 26, and model Reeva, 29, were all smiles as they cosied up on a sofa in his apartment next to a pet monkey.

His best pal Christo Menelaou — who took the snap — said: “He was tickling her. They were lovers and also real friends.”



Christo, 34, added: “He cries a lot and says over and over, ‘I’m sorry’.”

Bailed Pistorius denies murder in the Valentine’s Day horror in Pretoria, South Africa, insisting he mistook Reeva for an intruder.

He is back in court on June 4.

...more at link
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/ne ... death.html

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Wow, she was really gorgeous.

I wonder how much, if any, evidence they have collected so far?

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Pistorius, Semenya off Olympic funding program
The Associated Press



JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- Oscar Pistorius and Caster Semenya have been left off a list of athletes to receive funding by the South African Olympic Committee ahead of the 2016 Rio Games.

South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee chief executive Tubby Reddy says Pistorius wasn't included on the Operation Excellence support program because of his decision not to compete this year to concentrate on his murder trial. He's accused of shooting his girlfriend.

The absence of Semenya, the 2009 800-meter world champion and London Olympic silver medalist, was more surprising. Reddy says Semenya was excluded on the advice of the national track federation because she was not training or competing and it was unclear if she would run at the worlds.

Reddy says ''there is no point spending money on athletes that are not training.''

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/pistorius- ... --oly.html

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Athelete Oscar Pistorius fined by tax authorities over undeclared assets during trial for Reeva Steenkamp's murder

The Olympian and Paralympian will appear in court again next month

Sunday 26 May 2013

South Africa's tax authorities have fined Oscar Pistorius for unpaid taxes revealed during his ongoing murder trial.

The country's City Press newspaper reported that the South African Revenue Service fined the Olympian and Paralympian “less than one million rand” (£69,000), which he paid.

Pistorius will appear in court on June 4 for a brief hearing while the the police investigation into the death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp earlier this year.

...more at link
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world ... 32661.html

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Leaked pictures show blood in bathroom where Oscar Pistorius shot his lover Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day

Defence lawyers have described their appearance in the public domain as “distressing”

Heather Saul
Friday 31 May 2013



Pictures from the home where Oscar Pistorius allegedly shot his girlfriend have emerged today, showing a bloodied room and what are thought to be bullet holes lower down in the door.

The images obtained by Sky News (see second picture in gallery, above) show the inside of the bathroom where model Reeva Steenkamp was shot on Valentine’s Day this year. A panel can be seen missing from the bathroom door, along with two police markers, indicating bullet holes.

In the pictures a card addressed to ‘Ozzy’, which is believed to be the model’s nickname for Pistorius, is also visible, along with a box of heart shaped sweets.

Speaking to Eyewitness News, Pistorius’ defence attorney Bryan Webber described the images appearance in the public domain as “distressing” and said that this was the first time the defence had seen them, despite five previous requests for access. Webber called for the National Prosecuting Authority to explain their appearance.

The images also show a trail of blood leading down a corridor, where the paralympian is believed to have carried Steenkamp’s body.


...more at link
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world ... 39962.html

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Oscar Pistorius 'battling' ahead of court appearance for murder – video

Oscar Pistorius's uncle says the athlete is prepared for his murder trial, which is due to start on Tuesday. The double-amputee Olympic and Paralympic athlete is charged with premeditated murder after shooting his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, at his home on Valentines Day. Pistorius maintains he was acting in self-defence as he believed her to be an intruder

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/video/2 ... rder-video

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Oscar Pistorius hearing will be brief, prosecutors say
1:50 p.m. EDT June 3, 2013

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The world will likely only be given a 10-minute snapshot of Oscar Pistorius at a hearing Tuesday ahead of his murder trial, a fleeting glimpse of the Olympic athlete when he appears for the first time since he was whisked away into a near four-month period of reclusion after being freed on bail.

Prosecutors say the hearing at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court will probably only last around 10 minutes and will be postponed until a date in August as police investigators continue to gather the evidence that will be presented at trial, possibly in September or October at the city's High Court.

....more at link
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ol ... e/2384819/

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Oscar Pistorius magistrate warns against 'trial by media'

Daniel Thulare uses athlete's appearance at pre-trial hearing to lambast media for threatening 'sanctity' of South African courts

David Smith in Pretoria
The Guardian, Tuesday 4 June 2013 12.14 BST

Oscar Pistorius should not face a "trial by media", a South African magistrate warned as the athlete accused of murder appeared in court for the first time since he was bailed.

Pistorius was clean shaven and composed on Tuesday as he returned to the dock in Pretoria for a 15-minute hearing. His case was postponed until 19 August.

But the magistrate Daniel Thulare used the opportunity to lambast the media – including those overseas – for threatening the "fountains of justice" and sanctity of South Africa's courts.

"Just like any other literate South African I also read newspapers," he said. "It would appear there is somewhat a trial by the media houses of Mr Pistorius.

"It would appear some of the activities may amount, if not to scandalising the court system in the republic, then to contempt of court."


.....more at link
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/ju ... arns-media

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

I think that South African Magistrate would blow a gasket if he came to America and saw the Nancy Grace show and read JQ.

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Oscar Pistorius back in court for pre-trial hearing – live blog

The Olympic and Paralympic athlete appears in court in Pretoria accused of murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

Paul Owen
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 4 June 2013

LIVE BLOG at link
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/20 ... e-coverage

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Reeva Steenkamp's encrypted iPhone may prove crucial in Oscar Pistorius trial
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2013, 16:57 IST

An encrypted iPhone discovered in sprinter Oscar Pistorius’ blood-spattered bathroom could turn out to be crucial to a police investigation in the Reeva Steenkamp murder trial.

Pistorius’ court hearing held yesterday has been postponed to August 19, pending further investigations, Times Live reports.

The encrypted iPhone was found among four phones seized from Pistorius' Silver Lakes home hours after he fired through the bathroom door and hit Steenkamp.

While Pistorius insisted that he shot Steenkamp under the illusion that it was an intruder inside the bathroom, the police and the National Prosecuting Authority maintain that the cellphones are significant for the probe as the data downloaded from the phones is either completely or at least partially encrypted, according to a source.

The encrypted iPhone is believed to have belonged to Steenkamp, who is thought to have taken it with her to the bathroom at 3 am, thereby raising several questions in the police department.

The police has said that data on the phone might reveal Steenkamp’s last calls or messages, adding that the information on the phone, the bathroom door and the ballistics reports are the keys to the case, but have refused to name the cellphone's owner for fear that the information will be leaked that might allow the defence to make attempts at destroying the state's case.

Information security specialist Haroon Meer said that the police might ask for phone manufacturer Apple's assistance in decrypting the data who could help them avail data on messages, calls and phonebook contacts, but raised concerns that modern iPhones are password-encrypted and access would depend on the strength of the password.

...more at link
http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/1844172/r ... rius-trial

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Apple technicians 'unlock crucial data on Oscar Pistorius's iPhone'

Pistorius allegedly unable to remember passcode for iPhone 5 he used on night his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp died

Mon, 24 Jun 2013
David Price

Oscar Pistorius, the Olympian and Paralympian sprint star who stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, has allegedly told police that he cannot remember the 4-digit passcode for the iPhone 5 he was using the night of Steenkamp's death. As a result, Apple execs have been asked for their help accessing the iPhone's data.

Pistorius' memory lapse may possibly be explained by the fact that he owned so many phones: it's been reported that the iPhone 5 that police are trying to access was one of four devices found in the athlete's bathroom shortly after the shooting.

Local police spokesman Vineshkumar Moonoo told the press: "Pistorius is saying he can't remember the code and we have been unable to access messages sent or received that night. These could be crucial, and Apple executives in America have made their technicians available to help us.

"I cannot say Pistorius's memory failure is suspicious but the mobile phones were clearly in use up to the time of the killing."

...more at link
http://www.macworld.co.uk/ipad-iphone/n ... llchandate

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Thanks for keeping this case updated, Rumpy. I see there's more interesting developments!

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This is another case I'm watching, it will be interesting to see what comes out of the phone investigations.

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Since we are destined to live out our lives in the prison of our minds, our one duty is to furnish it well~Peter Ustinov

Blade Runner' Pistorius due in court on Monday, may face new charges
Published August 18, 2013
FoxNews.com

Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius is expected to be formally indicted in a South African court Monday on charges of premeditated murder in connection with the fatal shooting of his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day.

Prosecutors have hinted that additional charges may also be levied against the 26-year-old, who made history at last year’s London Olympics as the first double-amputee to compete against able-bodied athletes.

Although the indictment’s main count will almost certainly remain premeditated murder, officials told The Associated Press it is “possible” additional charges will also be levied against Pistorius involving a duo of separate incidents in which the international athletic phenom recklessly fired a gun in public.

One such incident involves Pistorius allegedly firing into the air – and out of the sun roof of a moving vehicle -- while the other concerns his accidentally discharging a firearm while inside a restaurant.

...more at link
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2013/08/1 ... latestnews

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

I am very interested in this case! So glad it is going to be covered here. At first I had no doubt he was guilty, but since I don't trust MSM I am looking forward to hearing all the evidence!

I feel the same Berta.

At the moment.. I simply don't know all the facts. I think there can be a good theory advanced on either side.
The case should make for a good discussion. Unlike the GZ case... BOTH sides could be presented with some facts and reasoned analysis.

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

I think there should be a lot to interest for us in this case. Mind you, South Africa does not have a great track record in cases like this. I am reminded of the police involvement in the Fred Van der Vyver case, where he was accused of the murder of his girlfriend Inge Lotz in 2005. I shall have to do my homework, but this dragged on for a very long time, only for Fred to have been given his freedom. He was greatly supported by his parents, he was fortunate as his parents were quite well to do, and could spend money over time. Fred didn't murder his girlfriend, however, unfortunately to my knowledge the killer has still not been caught. In this case the police did nothing wrong at the outset - but after that they did.

Fred Van der Vyver was acquitted and has tried, I believe unsuccessfully, to claim compensation. He has sought leave to appeal against the Supreme Court of Appeal ruling overturning a Western Cape High Court finding that the minister of police was liable to pay him damages for malicious prosecution. This case has been a high profile one for a number of years. At the end of the day this is a young man who wants to get on with his life.

We have to be careful of fabrication of evidence, because that's what happened in the above case. I am trying to keep an open mind. I've tried to put myself in the position of Pistorius by thinking, if I was at home alone with anyone other than my girlfriend and woke to find her not in bed, would I not immediately assume that it was she in the bathroom. I guess my answer would have to be yes that's what I'd assume. There is a great deal of tension involved in living in South Africa, and we are led to believe Pistorius even more so.

I think it's easy to say given that none of us was in the house that night, so we will have to wait and see what happens during the trial next year. Once again, I have to utter my surprise at the length of time it takes in some countries due to their legal systems in bringing trials to court.

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Since we are destined to live out our lives in the prison of our minds, our one duty is to furnish it well~Peter Ustinov