South Africa: Court orders Pistorius to undergo mental observation

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) - The Judge in the Oscar Pistorius trial Thokozile Masipa on Wednesday ruled that the murder accused must be sent for mental observation.

The judge gave the ruling after the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria heard that the athlete suffered from a general anxiety disorder and the State subsequently submitted a formal request for him to be sent for 30 days of mental observation.

"I am satisfied that a case has been made out for the application, or the relief as sought by the State, and I shall grant that order," the judge said, adding that the ruling “is about justice being served”.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel earlier said if the accused does indeed suffer from a psychiatric illness, it might have impacted on what happened on the night of the shooting and it was necessary for the court to know.

Advocate Barry Roux, who is representing Pistorius, opposed the application.

The double-amputee, who shot to stardom when he outran able-bodied athletes, has been charged with murdering Reeva Steenkamp.

He has pleaded not guilty, saying he thought he was shooting at an intruder.

Pistorius is also charged with three contraventions of the Firearms Control Act, one of illegal possession of ammunition and two of discharging a firearm in public.
-0- PANA CU/SEG 14May2014