Oscar Pistorius, the Paralympic athlete accused of murdering his girlfriend, has broken his long public silence to describe her death as a "devastating accident".
Pistorius issued a statement to mark the first anniversary of the Valentine's day tragedy in which he shot Reeva Steenkamp three times through a toilet door at his home in Pretoria, South Africa. He maintains that he believed her to be an intruder.
Just after 1am local time on Friday, Pistorius tweeted for the first time in a year, linking to the statement on his website. "No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved – and continues to love Reeva," it said.
"The pain and sadness, especially for Reeva's parents, family and friends consumes me with sorrow. The loss of Reeva and the complete trauma of that day, I will carry with me for the rest of my life – Oscar."
Pistorius, a double amputee known as the "Blade Runner", has kept a low profile since being released on bail last year, staying at the home of his uncle and resuming "low-key" training. He is due to stand trial for murder on 3 March in a case that has attracted huge worldwide attention.
Steenkamp's parents, Barry and June, also issued a statement this week through their lawyers. "All we are looking for is closure and to know that our daughter did not suffer on that tragic Valentine's day," they said.
"As the first anniversary of our beloved daughter's death approaches, we would like to thank all family, friends, the people of South Africa, and the world for their compassion, kind words and comfort shown to us, and for the many letters of condolences we have received."
The family added that they intend to set up a foundation in honour of Steenkamp after the trial. "Reeva, who held such a passion for women's abuse issues and frequently spoke out against domestic violence, intended to one day open an establishment where abused women would be cared for."
Steenkamp's schoolfriend Gwyn Guscott posted on Facebook on Thursday: "Tomorrow will be a tough one for most, but let's remember how much she loved love and fill our day with roses and remember her stunning smile and that little giggle she used to do when she had happy thoughts. To Reeves, I miss you every day.
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Source: theguardian
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| Image: newsfeed |
Pistorius issued a statement to mark the first anniversary of the Valentine's day tragedy in which he shot Reeva Steenkamp three times through a toilet door at his home in Pretoria, South Africa. He maintains that he believed her to be an intruder.
Just after 1am local time on Friday, Pistorius tweeted for the first time in a year, linking to the statement on his website. "No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved – and continues to love Reeva," it said.
"The pain and sadness, especially for Reeva's parents, family and friends consumes me with sorrow. The loss of Reeva and the complete trauma of that day, I will carry with me for the rest of my life – Oscar."
Pistorius, a double amputee known as the "Blade Runner", has kept a low profile since being released on bail last year, staying at the home of his uncle and resuming "low-key" training. He is due to stand trial for murder on 3 March in a case that has attracted huge worldwide attention.
Steenkamp's parents, Barry and June, also issued a statement this week through their lawyers. "All we are looking for is closure and to know that our daughter did not suffer on that tragic Valentine's day," they said.
"As the first anniversary of our beloved daughter's death approaches, we would like to thank all family, friends, the people of South Africa, and the world for their compassion, kind words and comfort shown to us, and for the many letters of condolences we have received."
The family added that they intend to set up a foundation in honour of Steenkamp after the trial. "Reeva, who held such a passion for women's abuse issues and frequently spoke out against domestic violence, intended to one day open an establishment where abused women would be cared for."
Steenkamp's schoolfriend Gwyn Guscott posted on Facebook on Thursday: "Tomorrow will be a tough one for most, but let's remember how much she loved love and fill our day with roses and remember her stunning smile and that little giggle she used to do when she had happy thoughts. To Reeves, I miss you every day.
Quick and easy life cover. Click Here
Source: theguardian
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