Shots Fired!
Oscar Pistorius
The lead investigator in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial, regarding the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, has been hit with attempted murder charges in Pretoria, South Africa. Hilton Botha, in his capacity as a police officer, opened fire on a bus of suspects, wounding several people. Charges against him in the case were announced today.
Some are stating he should not be involved in the Pistorius case due to his own legal troubles, but others state it has no effect on the athlete's conduct. Under the circumstances, for a fair trial to be obtained, especially in such a high profile matter, in front of the watching world, there needn't be any aspect thereof, perceived as tainted. It is best the investigator turns his file over to a colleague not facing the same legal issues.
Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp
Pistorius is still seeking bail, but prosecutors object, as he is a millionaire with the resources to flee South Africa. Pistorius' defense team attempted to use his disability to help him in this regard, stating he would not get far, due to being an amputee. I beg to differ. Paralympians move faster than the majority of the public and are fitter than most as well. The week before the Steenkamp murder, I tweeted a video of Pistorius outrunning a race horse by a comfortable margin.
But in all seriousness, if Pistorius gets bail, there is a risk he may commit suicide, as his life is in tatters and for all the world to see. It wouldn't be the right choice, but when a person is at their lowest ebb, they sometimes do not think rationally. His story is a dramatic fall from grace.
Some people with disabilities develop alcohol and substance abuse issues in attempting to deal with the emotionally pain of the loss of limbs or mobility. It is a very traumatic experience. However, the key is to see one's self as whole and equal to everyone else.
