A big relief for South African Paraolympic hero Oscar Pistorius as the Judge Thokozile Masipa said that although it “is clear that his conduct was negligent,” but ruled out possibility of committed premeditated murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on 14th February, 2013.
The judge said that prosecutors had failed to prove that the 27-year-old had intention to kill his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day last year. Pistorius fired four shots through his bathroom door at Steenkamp, believing it was an intruder.
“The state has not proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of premeditated murder,” Masipa said on Thursday, adding, “There are just not enough facts to support such a finding.”
The judge, on Thursday, explained her reasoning on this charge, calling it “the test of a reasonable man” in which Pistorius ‘failed’.
“All the accused had to do was pick up his cell phone to call security,” Masipa said, adding that Pistorius could also have “run to the balcony”.
“Normal relationships are dynamic and unpredictable most of the time, while human beings are fickle. None of the evidence of a loving relationship, or a relationship turned sour, can assist this court,” judge commented.
The decision would bring certain relief to Pistorius who is facing a mandatory lengthy life sentence – effectively 25 years before parole.
The verdict will be pronounced on Friday.
Tags: Judge Thokozile Masipa Reeva Steenkamp South Africa Oscar Pistorius
