The commencement of the bail proceedings, led with Barry Roux the defense attorney, presenting an affidavit written by Pistorius, to be read out in the Pretoria Magistrates court. Roux first brings an application of an accused’s access to “reasonable information.” This additional information is needed by the defense. If information is provided to them by tomorrow, Roux agrees to continue with the proceedings.

Roux asks the state (Advocate Gerrie Nel) to clarify claims mentioned in it’s heads of argument, Nel responds that he will provide clarity tomorrow as the application has only been brought forward today.

Roux continues with the reading of Pistorius’ affidavit:

I am an adult male, South African citizen and applicant in this application and seek to be released on bail.  I make this affidavit of my own free will and have not been influenced. Contents is true and correct.  I fail to understand how I could be charged with murder, let alone premed murder because I had no intention to kill.  I had no intention to kill my girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Silverwoods property values at R5 million. Other properties valued at about R2 million.  I have been informed I have been accused of murder – I deny the accusation.  Nothing can be further from the truth that I planned the murder of my girlfriend.  On 13 February Reeva would have gone out with her friends, me with mine. She wanted to stay at home.  I was watching TV. My legs were off. She was doing yoga. At the end of the evening we got into bed.

Proceedings were stopped as Pistorius could not control his emotions. Magistrate Nair adjourns for a few minutes to allow Pistorius to gain his composure. Proceedings continue:

I’m accurately aware of people gaining entries to homes to commit crime, I’ve received death threats.  I sleep with my 9mm under my bed. I woke up to close the sliding door and heard a noise in the bathroom. I was scared and didn’t switch on the light. I got my gun and moved towards the bathroom. I screamed at the intruder.  because I did not have my legs on I felt vulnerable. I fired shots through the bathroom door and told Reeva to call police.  I walked back to the bed and realised Reeva was not in bed. It’s then it dawned on me it could be her in there.  I kicked the door open. Called paramedics and complex security. I tried to carry her down stairs for help.  I tried to help her but she died in my arms. With the benefit of hindsight I realise that Reeva went to the bathroom when I went to close the balcony door.  I am an international sports star, I will not evade my trial.  After the shooting I did not flee the scene. I remained until the police arrived.  I don’t know of any witnesses in this matter, and I wont interfere with any witnesses.

Pistorius confirms the contents of the affidavit.

Statement made by Alex (surname to be confirmed), Pistorius’ friend  was read out by Roux:

I consider Oscar one of my closest friends. We see each other several times during the week. In November Oscar told me he met a girl called Reeva and that he’d invited her to the sports awards.  Oscar told me Reeva was unlike any other woman he’d dated. They were comfortable around each other and happy.  In all the time I’d seen them together they appeared happy. He said he really liked her, had fallen in love.

Roux then dealt with a statement made by Justin Divaris and Divaris’ girlfriend. The defense is simply bringing character witnesses to show the court the strength of Pistorius and Steenkamp’s relationship. Roux asks for a short adjournment, the forth for the bail proceedings this afternoon.

Court has been adjourned for the day and the proceedings will commence tomorrow at 9h00.

CLICK HERE for the full affidavit.

CLICK HERE for all the Oscar Pistorius coverage so far.

[Source:Barry Bateman]