Pistorius court reduced to tears as Steenkamp’s cousin speaks of death

A courtroom has been reduced to tears after Reeva Steenkamp’s cousin described the moment she learned the model had been shot dead by Oscar Pistorius. Kim Martin, the first prosecution witness at the athlete’s sentencing at the High Court in Pretoria, said the death of her cousin was the “worst ever experience”. Her face was described as “a picture of pain” as she laid bare the extent of the family’s grief at the death of Ms Steenkamp. June Steenkamp placed her hand on her husband Barry’s shoulder, who also appeared to be crying, as Ms. Martin recalled tales of their daughter’s childhood.

It was for me, the end of the world. It’s ruined our whole family. It’s ruined Auntie June and Uncle Barry… Reeva was everything to them.

Kim Martin, Reeva Steenkamp’s cousin

Earlier, prosecutor Gerrie Nel said anything but a prison sentence for Pistorius for killing his girlfriend would be “shockingly inappropriate”. He resumed his cross examination of probation officer Annette Vergeer, a defence witness, who on Tuesday said Pistorius would be “broken as a person” if he was jailed. Pistorius, 27, was convicted last month for killing Ms Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day 2013. He could receive a fine and a suspended jail sentence or up to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of culpable homicide, the equivalent of manslaughter in the UK. The sentencing hearing resumes on Thursday.

Our courts and society value human life. Don’t you think society wants a heavy punishment?

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel, cross examining Pistorius’ probation officer Annette Vergeer

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