Oscar Pistorius murder trial concludes as verdict is set for September 11th

A verdict in the high profile murder trial of sports star Oscar Pistorius has been set for September 11, after lawyers wrapped up five months of drama-filled proceedings today. Eighteen months after Pistorius shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day 2013, the star’s fate now lies in the hands of South African Judge Thokozile Masipa. Pistorius stands accused of deliberately shooting dead his glamorous 29-year-old lover with hollow point “cop killer” bullets after an argument.

We shall be back here on the 11th of September at 9:30 for the judgment.

South African Judge Thokozile Masipa

He faces 25 years in jail if convicted, but has pleaded not guilty, saying he mistook Steenkamp - who was in a locked toilet cubicle when she died - for an intruder. The trial has heard testimony from nearly 40 witnesses. Proceedings concluded on Friday with fiery defence lawyer Barry Roux insisting the “cold facts” did not prove his client’s guilt and that the state’s case was “circumstantial”.

He stands with his finger on the trigger, ready to fire when ready. In some instances a person will fire reflexively. That is your primal instinct.

Defence lawyer Barry Roux

Pistorius Africa