Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius said he is “consumed with sorrow” over his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, whom he shot dead a year ago today.
The six-time sprint champion faces trial next month for the Valentine’s Day murder of the model and television star, 29.
The double amputee, dubbed “Blade Runner” because of his prosthetic legs, denies the charges and says he shot Ms Steenkamp three times accidentally, thinking she was an intruder at his apartment in Pretoria, South Africa.
In an anniversary statement on his website, he wrote: “No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved and continues to love Reeva.
“The pain and sadness — especially for Reeva’s parents, family and friends — consumes me with sorrow. “The loss of Reeva and the complete trauma of that day I will carry with me for the rest of my life.” His trial is due to begin on March 3 and is expected to hear from more than 100 witnesses.
Prosecutors allege that Pistorius, 27, killed his girlfriend after an argument. Ms Steenkamp’s family said this week her mother June will attend the trial.
They added in a statement: “All we are looking for is closure. As the first anniversary of our beloved daughter’s death approaches, we would like to thank people for the many letters of condolences we have received.”
The mandatory sentence for someone convicted of premeditated murder in South Africa is life with a minimum of 25 years in prison. A judge will deliver the verdict as there is no trial by jury in South Africa.
