Oscar Pistorius will contest the charge that he murdered his girlfriend in a premeditated act in the “strongest terms”, according to his family and management.
Pistorius broke down in tears in a Pretoria court today as the prosecution made clear they would pursue the murder case.
The track superstar was supported by his father Henke, brother Carl and sister Aimee in court.
The 26-year-old Paralympic athlete’s girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead at the luxury home where Pistorius lives, on the Silver Lakes Golf Estate, in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Describing the case as a “terrible, terrible tragedy”, the family of Pistorius underlined his intentions but stressed their first thoughts were with family and friends of Steenkamp.
A statement from the family and the athlete’s management read: “Firstly, and most importantly, all our thoughts today must be with the family and friends of Reeva Steenkamp.
“Oscar Pistorius has appeared in court here in Pretoria this morning formally charged with the murder of Reeva Steenkamp. The alleged murder is disputed in the strongest terms.
“These are now live and active legal proceedings which must be allowed to take their course through the process of proper investigation by the police, evidence-gathering and through the local South African judicial system.”
The statement added: “He [Pistorius] has made it very clear that he would like to send his deepest sympathies to the family of Reeva.
“He would also like to express his thanks through us today for all the messages of support he has received – but as stated our thoughts and prayers today should be for Reeva and her family – regardless of the circumstances of this terrible, terrible tragedy.”
A bail hearing was delayed until Tuesday and Pistorius will be held at a Pretoria police station, rather than prison, until that time. Police have already said they will oppose any bail application from Pistorius.