South African Press Association

South Africa: Pistorius Granted Bail

21 February 2013
Photo: Werner Beukes/Sapa
Paralympian Oscar Pistorius enters the dock at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court.

Pretoria — Oscar Pistorius was granted bail in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Friday.

"... I come to the conclusion the accused has made a case to be released on bail," said Magistrate Desmond Nair.

Pistorius is charged with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14.

Nair said there was no evidence before him that Pistorius would interfere with state witnesses and no proper evidence relating to the public perception of the matter.

He was not a flight risk and a propensity for violence had not been shown.

Instead of a "flimsy" affidavit, he had "reached out".

People in the gallery stood up and shouted "yes" on hearing this.

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Comments Post a comment

  • kjrs120
    Feb 23 2013, 05:10
    Report Abuse

    At this stage, I don't think any country would welcome Pistorius and I think allowing him bail for a mere one million rants is too little.

InFocus

South Africa's Oscar Pistorius Granted Bail

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On the final day of Paralympian Oscar Pistorius' bail hearing, presiding judge Desmond Nair has decided to grant him bail. Read more »