Pistorius to face court again next week over girlfriend’s death

Oscar Pistorius will be served a final indictment when he appears in court next week after prosecutors concluded their investigation into the death of his girlfriend.

The Paralympian will return to court in Pretoria on Monday, the day Reeva Steenkamp would have turned 30, where he is likely to be formally charged with her murder and a trial date could be set.

A spokeswoman for South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority said: "We expect that the indictment will be finalised and ready to be served to Oscar Pistorius on Monday, August 19."

The 26-year-old double amputee and six-time Paralympic sprint champion has been charged with the premeditated murder of Ms Steenkamp on Valentine's night this year, but claims he shot the 29-year-old after mistaking her for an intruder.

Pistorius is on bail after a judge changed his conditions in March, allowing him to travel abroad providing he hand over his travel plans.

It is thought he will stand trial early next year and a date is expected to be set in court on Monday.

The "Blade Runner", who was recently spotted kayaking with friends in South Africa, has resumed a "low-key track routine", according to his family.

In a statement on his website in June, they said: “Oscar is not contemplating a formal return to athletics and his training is not aimed at preparing for competition.

“His focus at this time remains entirely on the court case. His family, and those close to him, have encouraged him to spend a few hours a week on the track to assist him in finding the necessary mental and emotional equilibrium to process his trauma and prepare for the trial.”

The athlete was “overcome with emotion” when he pulled on his carbon fibre running blades for his first track training since Ms Steenkamp’s death, his agent Peet van Zyl said, adding that Pistorius described his return to the track as “bittersweet”.

Ms Steenkamp’s parents previously said they are still searching for answers.

In a television interview in June, June Steenkamp said: “There is only one person who knows what happened” on the night her daughter was killed.

PA