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South Africa: Pistorius’ murder trial raises questions about his character
Chief defense lawyer Barry Roux attempted to establish it was noisy in the restaurant, which the manager testified Wednesday was full with over 200 customers, and that Pistorius did not hear Fresco say the gun was “one-up” — or that there was a bullet in the chamber — when he passed it.
But Lerena’s testimony that Pistorius asked a friend to “take the rap” was not challenged.
“He (Pistorius) did say, ‘Fresco, take the blame because this could be big.’” Lerena said in court.
The wife of the restaurant manager also said in her brief testimony that the shot went off near to where a child was sitting.
Pistorius, the world-famous athlete and first amputee to run at the Olympics, is charged with murder and 3 other offenses: 2 relating to the shooting of a gun in public and another count of illegal possession of ammunition. He pleaded not guilty to all 4 charges.
Pistorius, 27, was a globally admired athlete whose career peaked when he ran in the 2012 London Olympic games. He was born without fibula bones because of a congenital defect and his legs were amputated when he was 11 months old. He ran on carbon-fiber blades and is a multiple Paralympic medalist. He did not win a medal at the London Olympics
Source: Associated Press
