Oscar Pistorius Granted Bail In Murder Of Reeva Steenkamp

Oscar Pistorius was granted bail on Friday by Magistrate Desmond Nair, four days after hearings commenced for the double-amputee Olympian’s alleged murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in Pretoria, South Africa.

Magistrate Nair made his bail ruling based on his opinion that Pistorius neither poses a flight risk, nor a likelihood of interfering with witnesses for the state. “The accused has made a case to be released on bail,” the magistrate announced conclusively. Furthermore, the magistrate sought to clarify that the results of the bail hearing do not reflect on whether the defendant is seen as guilty or innocent. Pistorius’ bail was granted because the magistrate felt as though no justice would be served by keeping him in custody. Bail has been set at 1 million rand, according to BBC, the rough equivalent of $112,000.

Pistorius may very well have former lead investigator Hilton Botha to thank for the magistrate's ruling. Botha, who blundered on the stand during cross-examination on Wednesday, was revealed later that day to be charged with seven counts of attempted murder. “It is his evidence that may have been tarnished by cross-examination, not the state case,” Magistrate Nair said. He followed up that statement by asserting that the state’s case on its own is not particularly “strong and watertight” either.

Another reason why the South African magistrate was hesitant to classify Pistorius as a flight risk was the athlete’s use of prosthetic limbs. “What kind of life would he lead, a person who has to use prostheses, if he has to flee” and found himself ducking and diving every day on artificial limbs," the magistrate asked. “His international career would be over in any event.”

“A life not in prison,” replied prosecutor Gerrie Nel. Nel, who is pushing for a charge of premeditated murder for Pistorius, believes that Pistorius planned to kill Steenkamp the night the she died. “I am not saying the planning of the murder of Reeva Steenkamp happened weeks ahead, days ahead,” said Nel. “I am saying the planning to kill Reeva Steenkamp happened that night.”

Despite Nel’s continued argument, Pistorius will be able to spend his time leading up to the trial as a free man. Friends and family cheered, “Yes!” when the magistrate made his final ruling. And although the former Olympian has had appearances canceled and sponsorships suspended his trainer, Ampie Louw, is eager to get him back on the track, according to The New York Times. He told reporters the training could help “to get his mind clear.”

Pistorius, a Paralympic medalist, claims he mistook his girlfriend for an intruder when he shot her three times through his bathroom door. —Chelsea Regan

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