Hilton Botha, Lead Investigator In Oscar Pistorius Trial, Faces Attempted Murder Charges; Removed From Trial

Hilton Botha was removed from his role as the lead investigator in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial when it was revealed that he faces seven counts of attempted murder.

On Wednesday morning, Botha gave a less than stellar performance on the stand for the prosecution at the ongoing hearing to determine the former Olympian’s bail. While presenting evidence against Pistorius, he was forced to admit that he was uncertain if the drugs found in the athletes home were illegal steroids, and that Pistorius’ account of the tragic night doesn’t contradict police evidence.

After testifying at the hearing on Wednesday, it was revealed that Botha faced seven counts of murder that were dropped in March of last year, but were reinstated in early February. Botha’s murder charge alleges that he and two other intoxicated police officers opened fire on a mini-bus taxi filled with passengers in 2011, according to South Africa’s Eyewitness News.

Botha contends that the shooting was a result of an investigation into the murder of Girl Scout leader Denise Stratford. Following leads to apprehend the suspect, they came to the mini-bus in question. When it failed to stop and pull over, Botha claims they fired at the vehicle. He is scheduled to appear in court in May to face the charges.

Botha, removed from the Pistorius case on Thursday, has caused considerable damage for the prosecution. From his performance under oath to the latent attempted murder charges resurfacing, he’s injured the state’s credibility. Police commissioner Riah Phiyega has said that Lt. Gen. Vinesh Moonoo, South Africa’s “top detective,” will take over the investigation, according to USA Today.

Prosecutors continue to try to prove that Pistorius premeditated the murder of Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius and his defense team maintain that the double-amputee Olympian mistook his girlfriend for an intruder, and acted out of a sense of vulnerability.