Oscar holds private memorial service for Reeva

MURDER accused Paralympian Oscar Pistorius held a private memorial service for his slain girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, at his uncle's house in Waterkloof yesterday evening.

Vuma Reputation Management confirmed earlier yesterday that the service would take place at Arnold Pistorius's house.

Two security guards were outside the house and several luxury vehicles entered the premises. It was not clear who was inside.

"Oscar specifically requested the memorial service as he continues to grieve and remains in deep mourning for the loss of his partner Reeva," Vuma said.

It asked the media to respect Pistorius's privacy.

Reeva's father, Barry Steenkamp, said last night that the family did not want to comment about the planned service.

Meanwhile, Pistorius' website has undergone dramatic changes since the murder charge and now features daily updates on the athlete and anything related to the ongoing case. A select few media articles on the case are featured,

"Out of respect to the media interest and the importance to ensure factual accuracy of reporting of the accident, the family deemed it necessary to update the website," said Pistorius family spokeswoman Janine Hill.

Just over a week ago, the website featured pictures of Pistorius in Nike gear, one of his former sponsors, his tweets and the work he was expected to do this year.

All of these are gone.

Another notable change is the disappearance of the sponsors page. Nike, Oakley and French designer Thierry Mugler have suspended their contracts with the athlete. - nkosin@sowetan.co.za