Oscar was happier with Reeva – uncle

Oscar Pistorius was happier in his private life than he had been for a long time while he was with Reeva Steenkamp, his uncle, Arnold Pistorius, has said.

Pistorius sr. said in Pretoria today that the family was devastated at Steenkamp’s death.

“Obviously … we, as a family, are also battling to come to terms with Oscar being charged with murder,” he said.

He said the family got to know and “care deeply for Reeva” in the past few months.

“We are all grieving for Reeva, her family and her friends.”

He said the family had seen first hand how close Steenkamp had become with Pistorius during their time together.

“They had plans together and Oscar was happier in his private life than he had been for a long time.”

Arnold said Oscar was “numb with shock as well as grief”.

“Words cannot adequately describe our feelings. The lives of our entire family have been turned upside down forever by this unimaginable human tragedy and Reeva’s family have suffered a terrible loss.

“As a family we are trying to be strong and supportive to Oscar as any close family would be in these dreadful circumstances.”

Pistorius was arrested on Thursday after Steenkamp, a model, law graduate, and participant in the Tropika Island of Treasure television show, was shot dead in his home.

He was charged with murder at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Pistorius remained in custody at the Brooklyn police station and was expected to make a formal bail application on Tuesday.

- Sapa