Oscar Pistorius accused of 'concocting evidence' in murder trial

Our at-a-glance guide to the Oscar Pistorius murder trial latest - the facts, the charges, questions and developments.

By Dave Lancaster |

13:33 14 April 2014

Gerrie Nel, the infamously brutal prosecutor with over 30 years experience as one of South Africa's most renowned lawyers, has boldly stated that South African double amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius is "concocting his evidence". 

 

During his cross-examination, Nel flatly said that "Your version of events is untrue", stating that it was "improbable" that his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp would have remained silent as Pistorius was just three metres away apparently screaming for her to call the police to an 'intruder'. 

 

Pistorius claims that he thought she was still in bed when he got up to investigate an apparent break-in, armed with his pistol. Pistorius fired shots through a toilet door, killing his girlfriend on Valentine's Day. 

 

Prosecution witnesses attest to a female's scream but the defence disputes this, stating that only Pistorius did any screaming. 

 

Nel believes the athlete deliberately killed her after an argument and has highlighted a string of apparent past firearms issues and mood swings. 

 

The trial continues. 

 

What are the essential facts of the case you need to know? Read our quick guide below: 

 

What is Oscar Pistorius charged with? 

 

•Pre-meditated murder of Reeva Steenkamp on 14 Feb 2013

•Discharging a firearm in public at Tasha's restaurant on 11 Jan 2013

•Discharging a firearm in public by firing it through a car sunroof on 30 Nov 2012

•Illegal possession of 0.38 ammunition

 

What happens if Pistorius is found not guilty? 

 

If the South African athlete is found not guilty and acquitted of murder, the judge and court must then automatically consider a charge of culpable homicide / manslaughter of the 29-year-old law graduate and model.

 

What sentence will Pistorius face if found guilty?

 

If found guilty, Pistorius would face life imprisonment. 

 

Who will decide Pistorius' fate? 

 

In South Africa, there are no juries at trials so it's down to the judge (and his two assessors) to decide.