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Oscar Pistorius case: Top detective brought in | |
(35 minutes later) | |
South Africa's top detective is to take over the Oscar Pistorius probe amid attempted murder accusations against current lead officer Hilton Botha. | |
Mr Botha was removed pending the result of a probe into seven counts of attempted murder. | |
National police chief Mangwashi Phiyega announced the change after a third day of testimony at Mr Pistorius's bail hearing. | |
Mr Pistorius, 26, denies murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, 29. | |
Ms Steenkamp died after being shot three times at Mr Pistorius' home on 14 February. | Ms Steenkamp died after being shot three times at Mr Pistorius' home on 14 February. |
Commissioner Mangwashi Phiyega said the South African Police Service (SAPS) had received feedback from state prosecutors about Mr Botha only on Wednesday. | |
She described him as an "experienced detective" who was not yet facing any criminal charges. | |
However, she said she was using her authority as national police chief to ask Lt Gen Vinesh Moonoo, the country's leading detective, to take over the Pistorius case. | |
In court on Thursday, defence and prosecution lawyers offered their final arguments ahead of what is expected to be a ruling on Friday. | |
Lead defence lawyer Barry Roux asked for the charge of premeditated murder to be downgraded, and said revelations about Mr Botha undermined the prosecution's case. | Lead defence lawyer Barry Roux asked for the charge of premeditated murder to be downgraded, and said revelations about Mr Botha undermined the prosecution's case. |
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel told the court Mr Pistorius should not be granted bail simply because he is famous. | |
He branded Mr Pistorius as a man "prone to violence" who threatened Ms Steenkamp and eventually killed her. | He branded Mr Pistorius as a man "prone to violence" who threatened Ms Steenkamp and eventually killed her. |