Pistorius a suicide risk, court told
Oscar Pistorius is greeted by his sister Aimee Pistorius in court in Pretoria, Wednesday, July 2, 2014. Pistorius’ trial continues with evidence being heard from his agent testifying being ied at the double-amputee runner’s murder trial surrounding the death of his girlfrien Reeva Steenkamp. AP
PRETORIA — Paralympian star Oscar Pistorius, on trial over the killing of his girlfriend, is suffering from post-traumatic stress and is a suicide risk, a South African court heard Wednesday.
The diagnosis was contained in a psychological report read to the court by lawyer Barry Roux, who is defending Pistorius on charges that he deliberately shot and killed model Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day last year.
“Mr. Pistorius has been severely traumatized by the events that took place,” Roux quoted the report as saying.
“He currently suffers from a post-traumatic stress disorder and a major depressive disorder.
“He is also mourning the loss of Ms. Steenkamp.”
Pistorious, 27, had received treatment for his condition and this should continue, the report said.
“Should he not receive proper clinical care, his condition is likely to worsen and increase the risks for suicide.”
The report was the result of 30 days of court-ordered psychiatric observation of the double-amputee athlete.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel also read excerpts from the report which said Pistorius had not suffered any mental illness at the time he shot Steenkamp.
Earlier, in a pummelling cross-examination, Nel questioned Pistorius’s manager about the star sprinter’s angry outbursts and turbulent love life, zeroing in on apparent inconsistencies in key parts of his account.
Nel dismissed Peet Van Zyl’s claim that he did not know of Pistorius’s aggressive behavior at past athletic events and personal details about his previous girlfriends.
Pistorius, known as the “Blade Runner,” has been charged with murdering Steenkamp by shooting her four times through a locked toilet door.
The defense claims Pistorius shot the 29-year-old model and law graduate after mistaking her for an intruder.
The Olympian has testified he was in a loving relationship with his girlfriend, who he had been dating for about three months.
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If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Their crisis hotlines are available at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-USAP (8727), 0966-351-4518, and 0908-639-2672. For more information, visit their website: (https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline)
Alternatively, you can contact Hopeline PH at the following numbers: 0917-5584673, 0918-8734673, 88044673. Additional resources are available at ngf-mindstrong.org, or connect with them on Facebook at Hopeline PH.
