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              Judge to Decide on Bail for 'Blade Runner' Pistorius

   by VOA News

   A judge is to rule Friday on granting bail to South African track star
   Oscar Pistorius, who faces charges of premeditated murder in the death
   of his girlfriend.
   Fighting back tears, Pistorius sat with his head bowed and hands
   trembling as the prosecution made its closing argument in what is
   likely the final day of his bail hearing in Pretoria.
   Lead prosecutor Gerrie Nel argued that Pistorius planned in advance the
   murder of Reeva Steenkamp, the 29-year-old fashion model and law school
   graduate shot to death at his home on February 14.
   Pistorius denies the charge, saying he shot Steenkamp after mistaking
   her for an intruder in the middle of the night. His defense lawyer
   Barry Roux acknowledged Pistorius will face murder charges, but is
   seeking to have them downgraded to culpable homicide.
   The prosecution argued that Pistorius was a cold-blooded killer and
   represents flight risk. The defense says he is not likely to flee the
   country because of his high profile, and should be released.
   The case took an unexpected twist Thursday, when the lead investigator
   in the case, Hilton Botha, was replaced after it was revealed he had
   been charged with seven counts of attempted murder.
   The charges, which were dropped at one point but later reinstated, are
   related to a 2011 incident when Botha and two other officers allegedly
   opened fire on a minibus. Botha was replaced by Vinesh Moonoo, the top
   detective of South Africa's national police force.
   Roux has argued that Pistorius's nighttime shooting of Steenkamp
   through a bathroom door was an accident, not premeditated murder.
   The magistrate said earlier this week that he could not rule out
   premeditation in the case, but said the charge could be downgraded.
   Premeditated murder carries a possible life sentence in prison.
   Pistorius is regarded as a sports hero and national icon in South
   Africa.  He made history in August when he became the first double
   amputee to run at the Olympics.
   Since the shooting, major sponsors Oakley and Nike have each suspended
   their contracts with Pistorius.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/judge-to-decide-on-bail-for-pistorius/1608613.html