Pistorius trial enters fourth week

The Oscar Pistorius trial entered its fourth week on Monday, March 24.

The 27-year-old South African sprinter is on trial for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in February of 2013 and multiple other gun-related crimes.

Pistorius’s account of the night when he shot Steenkamp through his bathroom door differs from that of witnesses who have testified. Witnesses said that they heard an argument break out between the two early on the morning of Valentine’s Day in 2013. Pistorius claims there was no argument and he was yelling at a suspected intruder to leave his apartment. He also told the court he yelled at Steenkamp to call the police.

Multiple neighbours claim to have heard screaming coming from the apartment.

Pistorius fired four bullets through his bathroom door, three of which hit Steenkamp on her right side. Pistorius says he believed there was an intruder in the bathroom. The police believe he followed her to the bathroom, which she locked herself inside.

The trial has heard testimony from neighbours, forensics experts, police and friends. Evidence has come to light that police may have altered the scene. Steenkamp also sent text messages to Pistorius weeks before her death telling him she was afraid of him sometimes.

The six-time Paralympic gold medallist became the first double-amputee to compete in the Olympics in 2012 when he raced the 400m.

The trial has been broadcast live in South Africa since March 3 when it began.

Judge Thokozile Masipa is expected to make a decision on the case soon. South Africa does not have trial by jury.