A verdict in the high profile murder trial of sports star Oscar Pistorius has been set for September 11, after lawyers wrapped up five months of drama-filled proceedings on Friday.
Eighteen months after Pistorius shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day 2013, the star's fate now lies in the hands of South African Judge Thokozile Masipa.
"We shall be back here on the 11th of September at 9:30 for the judgment," said Masipa, drawing proceedings to a close.
Pistorius stands accused of deliberately shooting dead his glamorous 29-year-old lover with hollow point "cop killer" bullets after an argument.
He faces 25 years in jail if convicted, but has pleaded not guilty, saying he mistook Steenkamp -- who was in a locked toilet cubicle when she died -- for an intruder.
During a trial that has heard testimony from nearly 40 witnesses, the athlete -- celebrated for his courageous journey from disabled child to Olympic champion -- often cut a wretched figure.
Amid gruesome evidence about Steenkamp's gunshot wounds to the head, hip and hand Pistorius vomited in the dock and later frequently broke down in tears.
Proceedings concluded on Friday with fiery defence lawyer Barry Roux insisting the "cold facts" did not prove his client's guilt and that the state's case was "circumstantial".
In a last-ditch plea to the court, Roux sought to show there was enough doubt about the prosecution to make a murder conviction impossible.
He said the evidence suggested the Paralympian should never have faced a murder trial, but rather the lesser charge of culpable homicide.
"The failure of the state to present that evidence leaves one big question mark," said Roux. "That's the failure of the state's case."
'Highly vulnerable'
The defence has sought to explain Pistorius's actions as those of a "highly-vulnerable individual" obsessed with safety -- a result of a difficult childhood and his disability -- in a country with a sky-high crime rate.
The trial was even delayed for one month as Pistorius underwent psychiatric evaluation.
An ensuing report said he was suffering post-traumatic stress disorder, but was not suffering any mental illness that could prevent him being held criminally responsible for his actions.
Roux argued on Friday that the "slow burn" caused by Pistorius's anxiety is comparable to that of an abused woman who finally attacks her husband, causing the judge to interject.
"How does it apply to the accused in this case?" Masipa asked.
Roux tried to explain: "That constant reminder, I do not have legs, I cannot run away, I am not the same, that's with him, he can't pretend, he can't pretend that it's fine."
"That effect of that over time -- it filled the cup to the brim."
Roux admitted that Pistorius should be found guilty of discharging a firearm in a Johannesburg restaurant, one of three gun-related charges the athlete also faces.
Pistorius had pleaded not guilty to those charges. "He's guilty, my lady -- guilty on the first alternative, that he negligently used that firearm," said Roux.
'Deceitful witness'
On Thursday Pistorius, a double amputee known as the "Blade Runner" for his prosthetic legs, was branded a "deceitful" witness by prosecutor Gerrie Nel in his final arguments.
Pistorius's efforts to concoct an alibi had led to a "snowball effect" of lies requiring more lies to back them up, Nel said.
"In an attempt to tailor his version to support his plea explanation, he tangled himself in a web."
Summing up the state's review of evidence, Nel said Pistorius was guilty of "a baker's dozen" of misleading statements.
Roux rejected that assertion. "There's no mosaic crumbling and falling, there's no dropping of the baton, so eloquently put by Mr Nel," said Roux. "Everything slots in."
Legal analysts say the athlete undermined his case by appearing to offer two different defences -- one that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder, and one that he fired accidentally.
Steenkamp's parents Barry and June sat side by side in the first row of the public gallery, their faces impassively fixed on Roux as he described Pistorius shooting their daughter.
Pistorius rose to international fame when he competed alongside able-bodied runners at the 2012 London Olympics.
Once a poster boy for disabled sport, Pistorius has been stripped of lucrative endorsement deals by global brands and has withdrawn from all competition.
Even if Pistorius is not found guilty of premeditated murder, he could still be convicted and jailed on alternative charges of culpable homicide, or manslaughter.
"Culpable homicide could get him anything from a warning to 15 years, again depending on the seriousness of the case and personal circumstance of the accused," said Stephen Tuson, a lawyer and lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand.
AFP
Fri Aug 08 2014
Pistorius stands accused of deliberately shooting dead his glamorous 29-year-old lover with hollow point "cop killer" bullets after an argument. - File pic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.