Judge rules Pistorius to be sent for psychiatric tests

Oscar Pistorius will be sent for psychiatric tests, a judge ruled on day 32 of his murder trial, after a defence witness testified that he suffered from a "general anxiety disorder".

Here are highlights from Wednesday's proceedings:

- Judge Thokozile Masipa said that, according to South African law, if the accused has a mental illness or defect that might not make him criminally responsible "then a referral is in order."

She said the "trigger for the application" was defence witness and forensic psychiatrist Merryll Vorster, who this week said the runner suffers from a "general anxiety disorder."

-Masipa said Vorster's evidence "clearly" raises the issue of criminal responsibility.

"The accused may not have raised the issue that he was not criminally responsible at the time of the incident in so many words," said Masipa, "but evidence led on his behalf clearly raises the issue and cannot be ignored, not only that but the allegations have been properly substantiated by the evidence of Dr Vorster."

-Masipa said the court is "ill-equipped" to deal with Vorster's evidence at this stage in the murder trial. She pointed out that Vorster only conducted two interviews at an unspecified length with Pistorius.

-Masipa said she would grant a full order to have Pistorius sent for medical observation Tuesday next week, May 20.

-Pistorius's defence lawyer Barry Roux said he will apply for the runner to be evaluated in "outpatient" care, so he does not have to stay in hospital for 24-hour evaluation.

"We will make recommendations to the court in our draft," said Roux.

-Pistorius's paternal uncle read a statement outside the courthouse saying he was "comforted" by Masipa's dedication to a fair trial.

"As a family, we are comforted by the thoroughness and detail of this judgement and Judge Masipa's commitment, using every avenue, to ensure a fair trial," said Arnold Pistorius.

The trial was adjourned until Tuesday.