Lawyers seeking bail for Pistorious
(02-21 11:56)
Lawyers for Oscar Pistorius will push for the release of the South African "Blade Runner" on Thursday as bail proceedings head into the final stretch after they sought to dismantle the prosecution's case that he deliberately shot dead his model girlfriend.
The Olympic athlete's lawyers on Wednesday highlighted what they said was shoddy police investigation and undermined witnesses that had supported prosecutors' arguments that he intentionally killed Reeva Steenkamp, 29, last Thursday, RTHK reports.
But Pistorius now needs to give compelling reasons why he should be let free during his trial, after having spent a week in detention already. Charged with "premeditated murder", he has to prove exceptional circumstances that his release is in the interest of justice - a high bar for bail.
Under cross-examination investigating officer Hilton Botha agreed that Pistorius' version of the early morning shooting on February 14 fitted the crime scene.
Defence lawyer Barry Roux also cast doubt on key witnesses who suggested a row between the couple before the shooting.
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