Oscar takes the Stand…and Apologises to Reeva’s Mom

Based on performance, it’s debatable whether Day 17 of the Oscar Pistorius trial belonged to prosecutor Gerrie Nel or Oscar himself, but in terms of the headlines and reactions via the social media, the defendant won hands down.

There are readers of SAPeople who disapprove of my apparent flippancy as I share my perceptions of the players and the proceedings of this still unfolding re-enactment of the Reeva and Oscar tragi-drama.

Likewise there are many who disapprove of empathy I sometimes show for this young man, who after all killed his girlfriend; but it’s based on sorrow tinged in anger for the loss of a unique strength of character that made him a winner on the track.

Great sadness enveloped me today when Oscar responded to his cue from his advocate, Barry Roux. Showing a new, gentle side, Roux metaphorically took Oscar’s hand: “When I explained to you that your evidence should be presented by dealing with your background, you mentioned that there was something you  wanted to do first,” he coaxed. “What is that Mr Pistorius?”

Many of the people in court were visibly moved as Oscar, facing away from the mic almost inaudibly told the judge he wanted to apologise to Reeva’s mother and the Steenkamp family. Hoarse, his very private words were delivered in the very public space and straightaway some twitterers said he was acting.

June Steenkamp’s face gave away nothing as she unwaveringly focused on her daughter’s killer, who ended by telling her that “Reeva went to bed feeling loved” that Valentine’s night in February 2013.

The judge also gave nothing away but allowed him the platform to find some peace in himself, for peace is something that eludes him if Roux’s questions and Oscar’s answers are to be believed. Oscar cannot sleep; he’s depressed and taking a cocktail of prescribed drugs during waking hours and to sleep; he is traumatised and fearful and calls his sister at her nearby abode in the middle of the night to come and keep him company. Indeed, one night he was so frightened, he waited for her in a cupboard.

Oscar’s tears dried and monotony took over as he droned on in response to Roux’s questions. Questions that were no doubt intended to tie up loose ends that the prosecution will no doubt do their best to unravel.

It was a well-rehearsed script: Does Oscar drink? Yes, on occasions. Take drugs? Dagga when his mother died otherwise never and never sports enhancing drugs either.

He’s experienced crime first hand, second hand and among strangers and he suggested he and his siblings inherited their security fears from their mother Sheila, who slept with a handgun under her pillow in a padded leather bag.

His salvation this past year has been religion. “My God is a God of refuge,” he said.

It was a grueling session and just before 15h00, Roux asked the judge whether they could adjourn early to give his client time to recover. Judge Thokozile Masipa was compassionate but in accordance with protocol consulted Advocate Nel, who said he was anxious to get on with the case.

The judge ventured her opinion that Oscar looked exhausted and Nel capitulated:

“As long as it doesn’t happen all the time…” he muttered.

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Postscript: Advocate Gerrie Nel earlier revealed himself to be an equal sparring partner for Advocate Roux when he tackled the evidence of Professor Jan Botha, an independent pathologist. Suzanne Brenner will evaluate his role as cross-questioning continues.