Oscar Pistorius: Detective faces attempted murder charges

The main detective in the Oscar Pistorius case faces seven criminal charges, it has emerged

15:37 21 February 2013

With the second day of athlete Oscar Pistorius’ bail hearing, came the news that the lead investigator of the case, Hilton Botha, faces seven charges of attempted murder. It is understood the chief is to be removed from Mr. Pistorius’ case.

 

This relates to a shooting incident which took place years previously, where a number of police officers were arrested as a result, according to Eyewitness News.

Reportedly, three police officers were involved in the incident where a vehicle containing seven passengers was shot at, and allegedly Mr. Botha, who was supposedly drunk at the time, was present.

 

The lead investigator denies the charges being made against him. It is believed that these were initially dropped, but then were reinstated on Wednesday this week.

 

The news comes after Mr. Botha faced questioning in the Magistrates Court in South Africa at the paralympian’s bail hearing.

 

Mr. Pistorius, who is also known as ‘blade runner’, is accused of shooting his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, 29, on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2013. Ms. Steenkamp’s funeral was held on Tuesday, 19th February.

 

The ceremony took place on the same day that Mr. Pistorius first attended court for his bail hearing.

 

The athlete, who is 26-years-old, from Pretoria, in South Africa, was widely recognised for his performance at the London Olympic and Paralympic event last year. The runner, who has had his legs amputated below the knee, competed in the T44 and T43 event.