Pistorius’ Brother Facing Culpable Homicide Charges..

Murder-accused Paralympian Oscar Pistorius' brother Carl is facing a charge of culpable homicide, the family's lawyer confirmed in a statement on Sunday. Meanwhile, a close friend of Reeva's father said he 'must rot'.

 

 

 

The charge related to a 2008 road accident, in which a woman motorcyclist lost her life, lawyer Kenny Oldwage confirmed in the statement, which was issued by Vuma Reputation Management.

"Following the accident culpable homicide charges were brought against Carl Pistorius but the charges were later withdrawn by the State," he said

However, the charges were later reinstated by the Deputy Public Prosecutor at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Speaking on Carl Pistorius' behalf, Oldwage said the charge would be challenged in court. "Carl deeply regrets the accident," he said.

Blood tests conducted by the police at the time proved that he had not been under the influence of alcohol.

Carl Pistorius appeared in court on Thursday, the day before bail of R1 million was granted to his brother. The case was postponed until the end of March. The exact date could not be confirmed.

Oscar Pistorius is accused of killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his home in Pretoria on February 14. The case has been postponed until June 4.

Meanwhile, the father of Reeva’s close friend has said the Paralympian’s conscience would get the better of him.

"Whatever happens, whether he goes to jail or not... he can rot in hell. His conscience will get the better of him," Cecil Myers told the City Press.

Steenkamp was Myers' daughter Gina's best friend for six years and had lived with the family in Glenhazel, Johannesburg, since September. Myers has been called Steenkamp's "Johannesburg dad". Her actual family lives in Port Elizabeth.

Myers told the newspaper he had to identify Steenkamp's body after she was shot. "It was terrible, I couldn't drive myself back home," he said.

He reportedly met Steenkamp's father for the first time at her funeral in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.

"Her father introduced me to friends as 'Reeva's Joburg father'. He kept thanking me for being so kind to his daughter in Johannesburg, for looking after her."

Myers said the last time his family heard from Steenkamp was late last Wednesday night, just hours before her death.

"I've got this thing with all three children [Steenkamp, and his daughters, Kim and Gina]. If they don't come home at night, they must text me.

"Then Reeva sent the [sms] message: 'Hi guys, I'm too tired. It's too far to drive. I'm sleeping at Oscar's tonight. See you tomorrow.

"Tomorrow never dawned for her... I have nightmares at night thinking how frightened she must have been. Can you imagine how terrified she was?"

Myers reportedly blames himself and wonders what he could have done to prevent Steenkamp's death.

"That's the worst for me. If Reeva had rather taken a chance and driven home that night.... I should've texted her back: 'We'll meet you halfway, then Desi [his wife] and I will drive your car back.' Then she would have been safe now."

Myers told City Press only Pistorius really knew what happen on the night of the shooting. "She [Steenkamp] can't tell us anymore."

City Press also reported that medication found in Pistorius' house after the murder was a herbal remedy used by men for extra energy in bed.

Warrant Officer Hilton Botha -- who was the investigating officer, but has since been withdrawn from the case -- testified that the substance was testosterone. However, he later admitted that the substance was still being tested and it was not known what it was.

According to Pistorius' lawyers, the product is the legal homoeopathic remedy testis compositum.

Sports physician Dr Jon Patricios told City Press it was commonly used to combat flagging sexual energy, but that athletes were advised not to use it because it could increase their testosterone levels.