Oscar Pistorius trial resumes, defence opens case
Oscar Pistorius is expected to testify and explain how he accidentally shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's day last year.
- Associated Press
- Updated: April 07, 2014 01:51 PM IST
The defence in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial has opened it's case, calling a pathologist as its first witness. (Pistorius to take stand)
Professor Jan Botha was testifying on Monday following four weeks of prosecution-led testimony and a week's adjournment after one of the judge's aides fell ill.
Botha was allowed to testify first and ahead of Pistorius in an agreement with prosecutors because of a family illness. Defendants who choose to testify normally go first in South Africa. (Prosecution wraps case)
Pistorius is expected to testify after Botha and explain his version that he shot and killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp by mistake on Valentine's Day last year thinking she was an intruder in his home. The double-amputee athlete is charged with premeditated murder for the nighttime killing and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted. (Neighbour heard gunshots)