Pistorius says he shot his girlfriend by mistake..all to be unravelled on tv |
The trial of Oscar Pistorius over the Valentine's Day killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp will be partially televised, but this will not include his own testimony.
The double amputee, Oscar Pistorius known as Blade Runner, is accused of killing Ms Steenkamp in a shooting incident at Pistorius' home in Pretoria, South Africa, last February.
In his ruling on Tuesday, Judge Dunstan Mlambo said cameras would be able to "obtain a video and audio recording of the permitted portions" - the opening arguments, prosecution witnesses, closing arguments, the verdict and sentencing.
However, cameras will not be able to film the 26-year-old Olympic champion, defence witnesses or anyone else who objects to being on camera.
A live audio broadcast of the trial, which begins on Monday and is set to hear from more than 100 witnesses, will be permitted throughout.
Pistorius standing in the dock at an earlier hearing |
Sky's Special Correspondent Alex Crawford said it is being hailed as a "groundbreaking" decision by the South African media.
The judge is "making sure everyone, whoever you are, rich or poor, famous or completely anonymous, can listen and watch this trial and see justice is done", she said.
Pistorius denies committing murder and says he shot the model and reality TV star by mistake, thinking she was an intruder.
The 29-year-old was found lying on the bathroom floor after being shot four times.
On the first anniversary of her death, the world-famous athlete said he was "consumed with sorrow" over what happened.
Ms Steenkamp was shot dead at Pistorius' home in February 2013 |
The mandatory sentence for someone convicted of premeditated murder in the country is life with a minimum of 25 years in prison.
The case will be heard at Pretoria's High Court.
The South African legal system does not have trials by a jury, so a judge will preside over proceedings and ultimately pronounce Pistorius innocent or guilty.
Pistorius also faces charges of illegal possession of ammunition and two additional gun-related charges.
Oscar has remained free on bail and has been able to compete before the court case.