Oscar Pistorius granted bail following problems with investigation
In an odd turn of events, Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius has been granted bail. This morning in court, a magistrate set bail at $1 million after citing a number of problems in the investigation into the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
“I come to the conclusion that the accused has made a case to be released on bail,” said Chief Magistrate Desmond Nair. As CNN reports, the announcement was followed by a cry of “Yes!” from the courtroom, but Oscar remained reserved while his family hugged one another quietly.
The magistrate went on to explain that Chief Investigator Hilton Botha (who has since been removed from the case) made “several errors and concessions” during his testimony and that prosecutors failed to prove that Oscar was a flight risk.
Oscar has been charged with premeditated murder in the death of Reeva. Reports claim that in the early morning hours of Valentine’s Day, he shot her several times. He claims that he thought she was an intruder.
While recounting the “improbabilities” in Oscar’s intruder story, the magistrate said the defense attorneys proved “exceptional circumstances” required by law which would allow Oscar’s release.
Oscar will be released from custody after posting bail of 1 million rand (about $114,000) by March 1, and 10% is due Friday.
Oscar has been ordered to stay away from the home in which the incident occurred. He is also required to turn in his passport and must report to the police station every Monday and Friday.
Top Photo: WENN.com
