PARLYMPIAN OSCAR PISTORIUS said he was “deeply disturbed” today by the comments of some of his fans on social media directed at Reeva Steenkamp, the girlfriend he is accused of killing.
In a family statement, Pistorius expressed concern at the “disregard that is being shown by some — specifically those commenting via social media — for the profound pain that Reeva’s family and friends are going through.”
Pistorius was said to be furious when told about a group of fans on Twitter calling themselves the “Pistorians,” and ordered a statement to be released condemning them. The group, which recently appeared on the front page of South Africa’s Heat magazine, have virulently backed Pistorius’s claim he shot Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day after mistaking her for a burglar.
Some of the group have also criticised Steenkamp’s family and the 29-year-old model’s behaviour.
“Oscar was very very upset, he is not following media coverage or social media, but when he was told about it he was very upset,” said Burgess.
“There is not a moment in the day that Oscar does not mourn for his girlfriend and Reeva’s family, and all those who were close to her, are in his thoughts constantly,” the statement said.
The statement also revealed that Pistorius has been spending time with people close to Steenkamp.
“Over the past few weeks, Oscar has found comfort in spending time and sharing memories with many of those whom she loved, in surroundings where shared memories were created.”
Pistorius faces a trial later this year on charges of pre-meditated murder. He claims he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder when he shot her several times through a locked bathroom door in the early hours of February 14. He returns to court on 4 June.
