Oscar trial: Reeva's screams questioned

Reeva Steenkamp at the Virgin Active sports industry awards 2013 held at Emperors Palace. Pic: Tshepo Kekana. 07/02/2013. © Sunday Times
Reeva Steenkamp at the Virgin Active sports industry awards 2013 held at Emperors Palace. Pic: Tshepo Kekana. 07/02/2013. © Sunday Times

The question of whether Reeva Steenkamp screamed before she was shot dead was probed on day two of Oscar Pistorius's murder trial in the High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Barry Roux, for Pistorius, asked witness Michelle Burger whether she had heard, at the paralympic athlete's bail application, his version that Steenkamp did not scream.

"I heard a woman scream," Burger answered.

Roux tried to have her explain the discrepancy between her version and Pistorius's.

"Maybe Mr Pistorius can explain why," she answered.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel interrupted proceedings to tell the court that he had been informed that Burger's face was being shown on television, despite her request that this not happen.

Court was adjourned for Judge Thokozile Masipa to look into the matter.

The State will try to prove that Pistorius committed premeditated murder when he shot and killed Reeva Steenkamp through a bathroom door in his Pretoria home on February 14 last year.

In addition he is charged with premeditated murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

His lawyers will argue that he mistook her for an intruder when he shot through the bathroom door.

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