Oscar Pistorius is preparing to face court for the final chapter in the trial over the bloody shooting death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Yesterday, Judge Thokozile Masipa sensationally acquitted the athlete of premeditated murder and went on to reject the prosecution's alternative case that Pistorius was guilty of a less serious type of murder. However, there is a strong possibility he could today be convicted of culpable manslaughter.
Fairfax Media journalist Lisa Davies will provide live coverage of the final moment in a case dubbed the 'trial of the century' here from 5:00pm.
Oscar Pistorius is preparing to face court for the final chapter in the trial over the shooting death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Yesterday, Judge Thokozile Masipa sensationally acquitted the athlete of premeditated murder and went on to reject the prosecution's alternative case that Pistorius was guilty of a less serious type of murder. However, there is a strong possibility he could today be convicted of culpable manslaughter.
Fairfax Media journalist Lisa Davies will provide live coverage of the final moment in a case dubbed the 'trial of the century' here from 5:00pm.
As Judge Thokozile Masipa announced that she would not find Oscar Pistorius guilty of murder, the athlete collapsed forward, head on his arms, with sheer relief.
He may have been negligent, his actions unreasonable but he was not guilty of murder.
For the Blade Runner, it was vindication of sorts. The judge believed him. And while many around South Africa and the world may not, it is only her verdict that counts. For now, anyway.
The controversial ruling has caused discussion across South Africa - and in fact, the globe - with lawyers already arguing that perhaps the judge had conflated different elements of murder and culpable homicide.
South African legal expert Pierre de Vos said it was puzzling that Judge Masipa found Pistorius was "truly distressed" about having killed Ms Steenkamp.
"Given all the evidence presented in court about Pistorius's knowledge of guns and what the bullets he used would do to a person, it is unlikely in the extreme that Pistorius did not foresee that the person behind the door (who he might have thought was an intruder) would be killed."
Judging by the people tweeting and discussing #OscarPistorius verdict, the court of public opinion has a rather different view — Lisa Davies (@lisazdavies) September 11, 2014
The @pretorianews does it again. RT @barrybateman: #OscarTrial the papers... BB pic.twitter.com/quFFosXQet — Lisa Davies (@lisazdavies) September 12, 2014
On the other side of the court room, Reeva's parents June and Barry Steenkamp, chose to honour their daughter with a dignified silence.
Somebody had handed Mrs Steenkamp a bunch of flowers, and they sat for a few minutes in full view, before being removed from view.
Some South African lawyers have suggested the state has a very strong case for appeal, suggesting prosecutor Gerrie Nel begin his paperwork almost immediately.
Legal expert Marius du Toit said an appeal is "extremely likely" from Oscar Pistorius, especially if he is given any jail time. But that appeal can only happen after sentencing.
While it is less common for the state to appeal, it's almost certainly going to happen in this case, in a challenge to the judge's interpretation of the law.
Seems to be a lot of controversy among South African legal commentators abt #OscarPistorius verdict. Think this trial has a long way to run. — Lisa Davies (@lisazdavies) September 11, 2014
A police motorcade for Judge Masipa as she arrives to deliver the final verdict in the #Pistorius trial - 5:30pm Aus pic.twitter.com/ogNv84XWB5 — Tom Steinfort (@tomsteinfort) September 12, 2014
Court room GD is packed again today, as we head into the final chapter of the verdict judgement in Oscar Pistorius' murder trial.
The athlete and his family look more relaxed today than yesterday, they know the worst is over.
Reeva Steenkamp's family are also here but are reportedly unhappy with the verdict.
Member of the Steenkamp family told me earlier: "Obviously we are very disappointed [so far] but are trying to stay strong" — Rebecca Davis (@becsplanb) September 12, 2014
One prominent South African lawyer told me today "If Oscar doesn't get culpable homicide, I'm quitting the law." — andrew harding (@BBCAndrewH) September 12, 2014
Judge Masipa has returned to court, we resume.
Judge Masipa turns immediately to count two - the Tasha's restaurant firearm incident.
That means she has no more to say on the charges relating to Ms Steenkamp's death, so think that all but confirms culpable homicide guilty verdict.
Gallery: Oscar Pistorius faces his fate.null
Scenes from outside court as Oscar Pistorius arrived a short time ago.
Hang on, Judge Masipa made an error. She's actually talking about the sunroof incident.
This is the incident where Pistorius allegedly fired a shot out the sunroof of a vehicle, in the company of his former best friend Darren Fresco and ex-girlfriend Samantha Taylor.
Pistorius claimed the pair had colluded and made this up, will be interesting to see what Judge Masipa makes of their testimony.
Both are no longer in the Pistorius fan club...
One of my favourite things about South Africa: they call traffic lights "robots".
That's not a random musing - the Judge is referring to evidence that on the day Pistorius allegedly fired out of the sunroof, they were stopped by police twice at traffic lights (robots).
Judge Masipa moves on to assess the evidence. Pistorius denied the charge. Said it didn't happen.
"Both Fresco and Taylor gave evidence implicating the accused," she said. Now she'll say whether they were believable or not...
Judge Masipa says Fresco was "not an impressive witness at all" regarding this count.
"In fact, he proved to be a dishonest witness."
Fresco is in court today. Ouch.
Judge Masipa says caution must be taken in regard to Fresco's evidence, because he could not say exactly where the incident had happened. He only did when police drove past the spot four times.
Now we move onto Samantha Taylor, former girlfriend.
Judge Masipa makes a rather large understatement: "the relationship did not end amicably."
"It is clear from the evidence that Ms Taylor had been hurt by the manner the relationship terminated."
Judge Masipa says elements of the evidence given Samantha Taylor had "a ring of truth".
But has the state proven it's case beyond a reasonable doubt?
The judge says no. Says Pistorius should be acquitted of this charge.
Samantha Taylor (@samraytay) and her mother Tricia appear in several newspaper interviews today, talking about the volatile athlete — Aislinn Laing (@Simmoa) September 12, 2014
So we move onto count 3... THIS is the Tasha's restaurant shooting.
Pistorius is accused of recklessly discharging a firearm he was handed by a friend in the restaurant.
The shot damaged the floor and narrowly missed the foot of a friend - not to mention the packed diners at the popular Johannesburg night spot.
This incident occurred in January 2013, about six weeks before Reeva Steenkamp's death.
Judge is summarising the evidence given on this point. Pistorius was at lunch with friends, including Mr Fresco again, boxer Kevin Lerena another man.
Judge Masipa: "In my view, it really does not matter what caused the firearm to discharge." It's about whether the accused was reckless that day.
"What is relevant is the accused asked for a loaded firearm in a crowded restaurant. He may not have intentionally pulled the trigger, but that does not absolve him of the crime of negligently handling a firearm in circumstances where (people could be injured)."
Judge Masipa says boxer Lerena was a good witness and did not detect any bias against him.
"This court was given no reason to reject his evidence," so she accepts his version.
Judge Masipa says the court had previously heard Pistorius' own evidence that he was sufficiently trained in the handling of the firearm so as to know the dangers of handling a weapon in a crowded restaurant.
Judge Masipa finds this charge proven.
Now to the final charge - the illegal possess of ammunition.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel has his head in his hand, looking down at the bar table in front of him. Think he is either reading something, or writing in a book.
Pistorius' barrister Barry Roux sits looking at the judge.
Pistorius agrees he had the ammunition but denies he contravened the act.
Pistorius' father Henke sits forward in the public gallery. The court has previously heard the ammo was his.
Judge Masipa says Pistorius "did not posses a license to keep that ammunition at his house".
Henke Pistorius refused to make a statement in regard to the ammunition. She does not find that controversial, surprisingly.
She acquits him.
Judge Masipa now recapping: state did not provide "strong circumstantial evidence" to prove pre-meditated murder.
She says there was not enough evidence to provide a motive of intent to kill Reeva Steenkamp.
She has also placed great weight on the conduct of Pistorius in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
"He acted promptly in seeking help soon after the incident, he shouted for help, he called a friend, he called 911, he called security, although he could not speak as he was crying ... he was seen trying to recussitate the deceased.
"From the above it cannot be said that the accused did not entertain a genuine belief that it was not an intruder in the toilet."
Judge Masipa has gone back to murder under the principal of dolus eventualis (should've foreseen) - was she stung by criticism of judgement? — Aislinn Laing (@Simmoa) September 12, 2014
Judge is explaining in great detail how she reached her verdicts on murder ...
Meanwhile Gina Myers, one of Reeva's closest friends, her mother and sister are all crying. Deeply upset that Judge Masipa agrees with Pistorius' version, it seems.
Judge Masipa says again that Oscar Pistorius acted negligently when he fired the shots into the bathroom.
Interesting that the judge again makes mention of Pistorius' behaviour after killing not being that of someone who'd committed murder.
Judge: #OscarPistorius acted negligently when he fired shots at door. But she doesn't explicitly say guilty of culpable homicide — Robyn Curnow (@RobynCurnowCNN) September 12, 2014
A reasonable person should have foreseen that firing 4 hollow tipped rounds into a toilet could kill, but not #OscarPistorius so not murder? — Jerome Starkey (@jeromestarkey) September 12, 2014
"Mr Pistorius, please stand up."
Judge Masipa acquits Oscar Pistorius of murder, but convicts him of culpable homicide (manslaughter).
Judge Masipa formally acquits Oscar Pistorius of two of the firearms charges, convicts him of the Tasha's restaurant shooting.
No discernible reaction from the athlete.
Judge now turns to indemnity of Darren Fresco. He was given indemnity in exchange for giving evidence for the state.
Fresco & Pistorius could end up as cellmates. "He could be an accomplice" to the Tashas shooting, Judge rules on indemnity #OscarPistorius — Jerome Starkey (@jeromestarkey) September 12, 2014
Bail for Oscar Pistorius is likely to be continued despite conviction for negligent killing of Reeva Steenkamp. Maximum sentence is 15 years, but it is discretionary.
He could also receive a suspended jail term, house arrest.
Darren Fresco is given indemnity, notwithstanding judge's comment that he was a dishonest witness.
Judge Masipa has just taken a short adjournment.
As the judge leaves the court, Oscar Pistorius sits, rubs his face, and slumps briefly forwards. Not much emotion in court, although that's not surprising. He knew this was the most likely outcome after yesterday's comments by the judge.
His ever-present sister Aimee approaches the dock, and hugs him. Other family come forward too, embracing him. Muted reaction.
The Steenkamps and their supporters have left the court. The Myers girls - Gina Myers, one of Reeva's best friends - was inconsolable as the judge said she believed Oscar's version of what happened that night.
Pistorius' uncle Arnold talking to reporters again.
The Blade Runner sits in the dock with Aimee, embracing. They might be praying.
Uncle Arnold now approaches his nephew. He's been a rock for the athlete, something of a father figure to Oscar throughout his life.
Pistorius' relationship with his father Henke has been fractured over the years; they've been described as estranged. But he's here today.
The only one who isn't is Carl Pistorius, Oscar's elder brother. He was nearly killed in a car crash recently, but was allowed to leave hospital to attend court yesterday. Doctors probably won the argument today.
There now may be an argument about bail. Pistorius in a huddle with his lawyers, who have returned from the judge's chambers.
He may have to provide some sort of security in order to secure continued bail.
Uncle Arnold is making a call...
State and defense can call witnesses in aggravation and mitigation of sentence - Pistorius can give evidence or hand in affidavit @eNCAnews — Karyn Maughan (@karynmaughan) September 12, 2014
Media are going to some pretty extreme measures to get a shot of #Pistorius if/when he leaves court pic.twitter.com/97ZuwEZRrh — Tom Steinfort (@tomsteinfort) September 12, 2014
No kidding...
"There are no winners in this" says one of #OscarPistorius' relatives. — Jerome Starkey (@jeromestarkey) September 12, 2014
Ok we resume, and there will be a debate about bail.
Oscar Pistorius' barrister Barry Roux is arguing it should be continued in this case.
Photos are now coming through from inside the courtroom; Oscar Pistorius sits as his verdict is read.