Oscar Pistorius, the South African double amputee "Blade Runner" who inspired the world by competing as a sprinter in the London Olympics, is under police custody Thursday after allegedly shooting and killing his girlfriend, who he may have mistaken for an intruder, according to the South African news agency News24.
A Pretoria police captain confirmed to News24 that the woman, Pistorius’ girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, was shot in both the head and arm and died at the scene. It is believed four shots were fired, and police say a 9mm pistol was recovered from the home in the suburban Silverwoods Country Estate's area of Pretoria, the nation’s capital.
Pistorius was brought into custody soon after for additional questioning over the circumstances of the death. He is expected to appear in Pretoria Magistrate court on Thursday according to News24.
Additional details were not immediately available.
Pistorius, 26, was born without fibula in both legs, yet was determined to lead a normal life despite having his legs amputated below the knee.
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He developed into a world-class athlete and became a superstar at the Paralympic level while wearing carbon fiber prosthetic blades. In 2012, he qualified for the Olympics and competed for South Africa in both the 400-meter race and as a member of his nation’s 4x400-meter relay team.
Despite finishing without a medal, the mere presence of the Blade Runner on the track was hailed globally.
South Africa is one of the most dangerous nations in the world, and residents commonly carry firearms to protect themselves against frequent home invasions.
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