The prosecutor in the case said the trial would take place between March 3 and 20 after the two sides had mutually agreed the date.

A judge will preside over the trial and ultimately pronounce Pistorius innocent or guilty as South Africa does not have trial by jury.  

The prosecution handed a copy of the indictment to 26-year-old Pistorius, who denies murdering Steenkamp, claiming he shot her after mistaking her for an intruder on February 14.

He was granted bail in February and has since resumed some low-key training.

During today's brief hearing, which took place on what would have been Steenkamp's 30th birthday, prosecutor Gerrie Nel also said he planned to transfer case to the High Court.

Pistorius looked stern-faced as he appeared in court, crying and holding hands with his siblings before the hearing started.

Oscar Pistorius prayed with his brother and sister before the hearing at Pretoria Magistrates' Court started today

Pistorius was also indicted on a charge of illegal possession of ammunition.

Pistorius' arrest in February stunned many South Africans who saw him as a national sporting hero after his long legal battle to be able to take part in the Olympics.

But State prosecutors claim the killing was premeditated, a charge which carries a minimum prison sentence of 25 years.

They allege he killed Steenkamp intentionally after the pair had argued.

The prosecution handed over details of its case against Pistorius at the hearing, including a witness list and forensic reports.

It has been reported in South Africa that some of that forensic evidence appears to back up Pistorius's version of events.

But the prosecution is expected to call witnesses who will say the sprinter was preoccupied with guns, and had been arguing with his girlfriend.

Court documents show that more than 100 witnesses will be called to give evidence at the trial, including one of Pistorius' former girlfriends.

Oscar Pistorius could not hide his emotions as he appeared in a Pretoria court again today accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

"The South African Police Service is hopeful that justice will prevail," a statement from the office of South Africa's national police commissioner read.

In June, Oscar Pistorius resumed "low-key" training as a way to help him "process the trauma", a statement on his website read.

Pistorius was freed on a bail of R1million (£74,000/$110,000/€87,000).

A court in March eased his travel restrictions, allowing him to leave South Africa to compete as long as he complied with certain conditions.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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