×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Oscar trial: Couple tightened security after shooting

Around two hours after hearing the screams and shots, Charl Johnson, who lives 177 metres away from Pistorius's home, began taking measurements around his home in preparation for a security upgrade.

A couple who heard screams followed by shooting coming from Oscar Pistorius' home contemplated improving security at their own home afterwards, the High Court in Pretoria heard on Wednesday.

Around two hours after hearing the screams and shots, Charl Johnson, who lives 177 metres away from Pistorius's home, began taking measurements around his home in preparation for a security upgrade.

He said while they did not have the details of what had happened, they had thought that a robbery had occurred at Pistorius's home and that Pistorius had perhaps been shot.

Johnson said he had not at first discussed the security plans with his wife.

"I'm the man of the house so I took my own initiative," he said.

Delivering her evidence-in-chief on Monday and Tuesday, Johnson's wife, Michelle Burger said they had always believed they lived in a secure area.

They live at the Silver Stream Estate, which is next to Silver Woods Country Estate, the complex where Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

He claimed he had mistaken her for an intruder.

During her testimony, Burger said that following the February 14, 2013 shooting, she had not heard gunshots again around the gated estates.

The couple moved into the complex in 2011 and had not heard gunshots in the area prior to Steenkamp's killing.

 

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.