Lawyers for South African "Blade Runner" Oscar Pistorius poked holes in the prosecution's murder case against him Wednesday, challenging flawed police work to boost the athlete's hopes of being released on bail.
The defence forced the lead police investigator to admit multiple police errors in the case, undermining earlier explosive claims that witnesses heard arguing, a woman screaming and gunfire at his Pretoria home on Valentine's Day.
The 26-year-old Olympic athlete insists he shot dead Reeva Steenkamp, 29, in a horrible accident and not intentionally, as the prosecution aims to prove.
Under cross-examination, investigating officer Hilton Botha was forced to admit that Pistorius's version of the early morning shooting last Thursday fitted the crime scene.
"It sounds consistent," Botha said.
Defence lawyer Barry Roux went on to cast doubt on key witnesses at the bail hearing.
A woman who lives in the same highly secured complex as Pistorius "heard talking that sounded like non-stop fighting from two to three in the morning," hours before she was killed, Prosecutor Gerrie Nel said.
Another witness reported hearing gunshots, screams and then more shots, police said.
"We have the statement of a person who said after he heard gunshots, he went to his balcony and saw the light was on. Then he heard a female screaming two, three times, then more gunshots," Botha said.
But Roux disputed these accounts as police said one witness was at least 300 metres (nearly 990 feet) from the house and the other had misheard the number of gunshots fired.
Botha was also forced to admit police had missed a bullet that hit the toilet basin in their investigation. The defence's forensic team discovered the bullet four days later.
He also conceded he did not wear protective clothing when Pistorius's forensic team visited the house, which may have contaminated the scene.
In another twist, prosecutors late on Wednesday backtracked on the claim that a police search of Pistorius's home found testosterone and needles in a dresser in his bedroom.
"We can't tell what it is," said national prosecuting authority spokesman Medupe Simasiku later said. "We can't confirm or deny it until we get the forensic report."
Pistorius's defence team and his relatives looked confident at the end of the session, while prosecution's lawyers were seen to be holding worried discussions.
"The Pistorius family finds the contradictions in Botha's testimony extremely concerning," they said in a statement, adding that they were "satisfied" with the bail hearing.
Pistorius, the first double amputee to compete against able-bodied athletes in the Olympics in London last year, says he shot Steenkamp by mistake through a locked bathroom door, believing she was a burglar.
"I had no intention to kill my girlfriend," he said in an affidavit read to the court on the first day of his bail hearing Monday.
Steenkamp was shot three times through the bathroom door early on February 14, with wounds to her head, elbow and hip.
Although it appeared to be a successful day in court for the defence, Pistorius still needs to convince the magistrate there are compelling reasons why he should be let free during his trial.
Police revealed that Pistorius had previously been arrested at his Pretoria home for assault, although he was not charged.
Magistrate Desmond Nair said earlier he could not rule out that there was some planning involved in the killing, which may be considered as a premeditated murder, setting a high bar for bail.
The bail hearing was adjourned until Thursday when both sides are expected to summarise their arguments.
The athlete, who off the track has had a rocky private life with stories of rash behaviour, beautiful women, guns and fast cars, has built up a powerful team of lawyers, medical specialists and public relations experts for his defence.
In 2009, Pistorius admitted to a newspaper that he slept with a pistol, machine gun, cricket bat and baseball bat for fear of burglars.
He runs on carbon-fibre blades, which inspired his nickname, after being born without the fibulas in both of his legs which were amputated below the knee when he was a baby.
Pistorius revealed he earned 5.6 million rand ($640,000) a year and owned the $570,000 house where the killing took place as well as two other homes.
His career has been put on hold since the shooting, forcing him to cancel races in Australia, Brazil, Britain and the United States between March and May.
Two of his American sponsors, Nike and sunglasses maker Oakley, announced they were dropping Pistorius from their advertising campaigns, which have earned him millions of dollars in endorsements.
French cosmetics firm Clarins said Wednesday it was suspending a fragrance advertising campaign featuring Pistorius.
AFP
Thu Feb 21 2013
![Pistorius lawyers challenge contradictory police claims Pistorius lawyers challenge contradictory police claims](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2013-02/81360896880_295x200.jpg)
Jualan penyaman udara naik mendadak di negara Balkan
Menetap di negara sejuk, mereka tidak pernah terfikir memasang penyaman udara di dalam rumah memandangkan musim panas bukanlah setiap hari. Namun, cuaca panas melampau membuatkan mereka bertukar fikiran.
![Malaysia kecam sekeras-kerasnya pencerobohan ekstremis Zionis Israel ke atas Masjid Al-Aqsa Malaysia kecam sekeras-kerasnya pencerobohan ekstremis Zionis Israel ke atas Masjid Al-Aqsa](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-01/61706688348_wismaputra.jpg)
Malaysia kecam sekeras-kerasnya pencerobohan ekstremis Zionis Israel ke atas Masjid Al-Aqsa
Kerajaan Malaysia mengecam sekeras-kerasnya pencerobohan Masjid Al-Aqsa oleh ekstremis Zionis Israel pada 13 Ogos.
![Reda dengan pemergian anak walaupun bukan pengakhiran diharapkan - Ayah Nidza Afham Reda dengan pemergian anak walaupun bukan pengakhiran diharapkan - Ayah Nidza Afham](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/61723653359_TBMOKHTAR.jpg)
Reda dengan pemergian anak walaupun bukan pengakhiran diharapkan - Ayah Nidza Afham
Ayah kepada penyanyi dan Youtubers Muhammad Nidza Afham Mokhtar reda dengan pemergian anak lelakinya walaupun itu bukan pengakhiran yang beliau harapkan.
Ahli perniagaan diberkas, terlibat dalam aktiviti kumpulan mafia
Seorang ahli perniagaan Itali ditangkap di bandar Natal, Brazil pada selasa.
Giuseppe Bruno kini menghadapi tuduhan termasuk melakukan pemerasan dan pengubahan wang haram dan juga penglibatan bersama kumpulan mafia.
Giuseppe Bruno kini menghadapi tuduhan termasuk melakukan pemerasan dan pengubahan wang haram dan juga penglibatan bersama kumpulan mafia.
Srettha hormati keputusan mahkamah
Srettha Thavisin menghormati keputusan Mahkamah Perlembagaan Thailand yang memecatnya daripada jawatan Perdana Menteri.
Lahir empat hari lepas, bayi kembar maut angkara serangan rejim Zionis
Kembar lelaki diberikan nama Asser manakala Ayssel pula nama diberi buat kembar perempuan, kedua-duanya lahir pada 10 Ogos lepas.
Lelaki tikam ibu saudara direman tujuh hari
Seorang lelaki yang disyaki menikam ibu saudaranya di kepala dengan gunting, semalam direman selama tujuh hari hingga 21 Ogos ini.
PN senarai pendek tiga calon, akan diumum selepas PRK Nenggiri
Perikatan Nasional telah menyenarai pendek tiga calon untuk bertanding pada Pilihan Raya Kecil (PRK) Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Mahkota yang dijadualkan berlangsung pada 28 September depan.
![10 cedera dalam kejadian reaktor kilang terbakar di Bintulu 10 cedera dalam kejadian reaktor kilang terbakar di Bintulu](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/41722145972_KebakaranGeneric.jpg)
10 cedera dalam kejadian reaktor kilang terbakar di Bintulu
Menurut PGOB kesemua mangsa yang cedera telah dikejarkan ke Hospital Bintulu untuk rawatan lanjut.
![Mayat Muhammad Nidza Afham dibawa ke Hospital Shah Alam Mayat Muhammad Nidza Afham dibawa ke Hospital Shah Alam](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-04/61713736324_HusseinOmarKhan.jpg)
Mayat Muhammad Nidza Afham dibawa ke Hospital Shah Alam
Mayat Muhammad Nidza Afham Mokhtar yang ditemukan di Sungai Klang petang tadi dibawa ke Unit Forensik Hospital Shah Alam (HSA) untuk urusan bedah siasat.
!['Blade Runner' Pistorius dibebas dengan parol 11 tahun selepas bunuh teman wanita 'Blade Runner' Pistorius dibebas dengan parol 11 tahun selepas bunuh teman wanita](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-01/61704449576_TBmurderinggirlfr.jpg)
'Blade Runner' Pistorius dibebas dengan parol 11 tahun selepas bunuh teman wanita
Oscar Pistorius dibebaskan dengan parol pada Jumaat, hampir 11 tahun selepas didapati bersalah membunuh teman wanitanya dalam kejadian yang menggemparkan negara itu.
![Jaguh paralimpik Afrika Selatan, Oscar Pistorius kemuka rayuan kurangkan hukuman penjara Jaguh paralimpik Afrika Selatan, Oscar Pistorius kemuka rayuan kurangkan hukuman penjara](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2015-10/41444917789_OscarPistorius.jpg)
Jaguh paralimpik Afrika Selatan, Oscar Pistorius kemuka rayuan kurangkan hukuman penjara
Jaguh paralimpik Afrika Selatan, Oscar Pistorius kemuka rayuan bagi mengurangkan tempoh hukuman penjara yang dijalani kerana membunuh teman wanitanya, Reeva Steenkamp.
![Pendakwa Raya rayu hukuman lebih berat ke atas Pistorius Pendakwa Raya rayu hukuman lebih berat ke atas Pistorius](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2016-07/61467796218_OscarPistorius.jpg)
Pendakwa Raya rayu hukuman lebih berat ke atas Pistorius
Barisan Pendakwa Raya berkata hukuman yang kini dijalani Pistorius tidak setimpal dengan jenayah yang dilakukannya.
![Oscar Pistorius tidak akan menjalani latihan Oscar Pistorius tidak akan menjalani latihan](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2013-03/51362098927_295x200.jpg)
Oscar Pistorius tidak akan menjalani latihan
Oscar Pistorius atlet paralimpik yang didakwa membunuh teman wanitanya Reeeva Steenkamp baru-baru ini, tidak akan kembali menjalani latihan dalam tempoh terdekat.
![Abang Oscar Pistorious pula didakwa sebabkan kematian Abang Oscar Pistorious pula didakwa sebabkan kematian](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2013-02/81361748682_295x200.jpg)
Abang Oscar Pistorious pula didakwa sebabkan kematian
Abang atlet olimpik Afrika Selatan, Oscar Pistorious pula dibicara atas dakwaan sebabkan kematian wanita.
![Bintang paralimpik Oscar Pistorius dibenar ikat jamin Bintang paralimpik Oscar Pistorius dibenar ikat jamin](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2013-02/41361545585_295x200.jpg)
Bintang paralimpik Oscar Pistorius dibenar ikat jamin
Bintang paralimpik Afrika Selatan, Oscar Pistorius yang berhadapan tuduhan membunuh teman wanitanya, Reeva Steenkamp, dibenar ikat jamin.
![Kayu kriket berdarah dijumpai di rumah Pistorius Kayu kriket berdarah dijumpai di rumah Pistorius](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2013-02/81360896880_295x200.jpg)
Kayu kriket berdarah dijumpai di rumah Pistorius
Police Afrika Selatan telah menjumpai kayu kriket yang diselaputi darah di rumah Oscar Pistorius, berikutan kejadian pembunuhan kekasihnya.
![Perbicaraan kes Oscar Pistorius tangguh Selasa depan Perbicaraan kes Oscar Pistorius tangguh Selasa depan](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2013-02/81360896880_295x200.jpg)
Perbicaraan kes Oscar Pistorius tangguh Selasa depan
Mahkamah Majistret Pretoria, Afrika Selatan menangguhkan sehingga Selasa depan bagi mendengar perbicaraan ikat jamin bintang palimpik, Oscar Pistorius.
![Pistorius nafi ada niat bunuh teman wanita Pistorius nafi ada niat bunuh teman wanita](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2013-02/81360856297_120x90.jpg)
Pistorius nafi ada niat bunuh teman wanita
Bintang paralimpik dunia dan Afrika Selatan, Oscar Pistorius menafikan dia mempunyai niat untuk membunuh teman wanitanya Reeva Steenkamp.
![Atlet Afrika Selatan Oscar Pistorius dituduh membunuh Atlet Afrika Selatan Oscar Pistorius dituduh membunuh](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2013-02/61360828635_295x200.jpg)
Atlet Afrika Selatan Oscar Pistorius dituduh membunuh
Atlet olimpik Afrika Selatan yang kudung dua kaki, Oscar Pistorius, atau dikenali sebagai Blade Runner, dihadapkan ke mahkamah di Afrika Selatan, atas dakwaan membunuh kekasihnya.