Pistorius reports to psychiatric hospital
Murder suspect Oscar Pistorius on Monday reported to the Weskoppies psychiatric hospital near Pretoria, South Africa, where he will undergo a 30-day mental health evaluation.
Judge Thokozile Masipa last week ordered the Paralympian to undergo observation to determine whether his state of mind played a part in the shooting to death of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
The Judge made the order after a psychiatrist testified that he suffers from a Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) which makes him hyper-vigilant.
Masipa said the appointed psychiatrists and psychologist will submit reports for the court’s perusal.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel earlier said if the accused does indeed suffer from a psychiatric illness.
It might then have impacted on what happened on the night of the shooting and it was necessary for the court to know.
The double-amputee, who shot to stardom when he outran able-bodied athletes, has pleaded not guilty to murder, saying he thought he was shooting at an intruder.
Pistorius is also charged with three contraventions of the Firearms Control Act, one of illegal possession of ammunition and two of discharging a firearm in public.
If convicted of murder, he faces a mandatory life sentence which usually carries a minimum of 25 years in jail, though mitigation could reduce it in this case.
“If found guilty of the lesser charge of culpable homicide, he could face a 15 years imprisonment or a non-custodial sentence.’’
