Pistorius back in court for murder bail hearing
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E-mail Xinhua, February 19, 2013
Paralympian Oscar Pistorius appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Tuesday to hear judgment on his bail application.
This was the second time that Pistorius appeared in court since he was arrested last Thursday for allegedly shooting model Reeva Steenkamp at his Pretoria home.
Pistorius was brought to court early Tuesday from the Brooklyn police cells where he had been in custody since his first appearance on Friday.
A large contingent of journalists pushed to get into the court to get the 25 places set for them.
Hundreds of anti-Pistorius or pro-Pistorius protesters gathered outside the court, shouting and dancing in a peaceful manner.
Pistorius has applied for bail, but police said they would oppose his application.
Pistorius reportedly told police that he shot Steemkamp, mistaking her for a burglar. But police did not support his accounts.
Evidence collected by investigators ruled out the possibility that Steemkamp was shot accidentally.
Police have found boxes of drugs believed to be steroids and evidence of sexual activity retrieved from Pistorius's bedroom.
Blood and urine samples taken from Pistorius shortly after the shooting are also being tested to determine whether Pistorius was in possession of, or on steroids at the time of the incident, according to police sources.
A blooded cricket bat was also found at Pistorius home. Police are investigating two possibilities: Steenkamp might have used to bat to defend herself, or Pistorius might have beaten the model before shooting her.
Also on Tuesday, Steenkamp's body was buried at a private family funeral in Port Elizabeth.
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