Lead detective Hilton Botha resigns from the Oscar Pistorius case


March 7, 2013

Detective Hilton Botha, the former lead detective in the Oscar Pistorius inquiry, has resigned. South African police have confirmed that Detective Botha was dropped from the investigation in February due to the fact that he is facing seven charges of attempted murder. Detective Botha and two other officers are due to appear in court in May. They allegedly opened fire on a minibus loaded with passengers two years ago.

Hilton, a detective with 24 years experience, was the first officer to arrive at the crime scene but has since been accused of mishandling the case. He was criticised for giving contradictory evidence and for amending his testimony at Oscar's heated bail hearing two weeks ago.'Blade Runner' Oscar, 26, is charged with the premeditated murder of South African model and law graduate Reeva Steenkamp, 29. She was shot dead at his home on Valentine's Day.In his statement, Oscar Pistorius said he mistook Reeva for a burglar when he fired multiple shots in her direction. She was in the bathroom of his Pretoria apartment at the time of her death.  The Paralympic champion was released on bail after the magistrates said they didn't believe Oscar was a flight risk, nor that he had a violent character. Oscar Pistorius will return to court in June.

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