South Africa Police Service, SAPS, has confirmed the arrest of the country’s star athlete, Oscar Pistorius, for allegedly killing his girlfriend on Thursday.
SAPS spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, said the arrest was carried out after receiving a complaint of shooting.
“We received a complaint of shooting a woman who is suspected to be his girlfriend, who was shot and killed at his home in Pretoria this morning.
“We found the 20-year-old woman shot four times in the head and arm. She died at the scene,’’ Mogale said.
Pistorius was said to have mistaken her for a burglar.
Ms. Mogale said police are investigating a case of murder.
She said a 9mm pistol was recovered from the scene and statements were being taken from neighbours.
Pistorius, known as the “Blade Runner,’’ made history at the 2012 London Games, when he became the first para athlete to compete at the Olympics.
He won two gold medals and a silver at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Pistorius had both legs amputated below the knee before the age of one, because of a congenital condition, and runs on carbon fibre blades.
Meanwhile, South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) Chief Executive Officer, Tubby Reddy, has said the leadership of the body has been inundated with enquiries regarding an alleged shooting by Pistorius.
“SASCOC, like the rest of the public knows no more than what is in the public domain, which is that there has been an alleged fatal shooting on the basis of a mistaken identity and an apparent assumption of a burglary.
“The organisation is in no position to comment on the incident, other than to say our deepest sympathy and condolences have been expressed to the families of all concerned.
“There is a police investigation, as is customary with any shooting incident, and it would be irresponsible and inappropriate to comment on the alleged incident until the official investigative process has been completed.
“Our thoughts are with the respective families at this time,’’ Reddy added.
The deceased, Reeva Steenkamp, was a model. Her publicist confirmed to the BBC that the model had died.
“Everyone who knew her is in tears. She was an absolute angel, the sweetest, sweetest human being, a kind human being,” Sarit Tomlinson said.
(NAN)
