Reeva was smitten with Oscar, says childhood friend

A childhood friend of Reeva Steenkamp, who knew about the model’s relationship before it was made public, says Steenkamp was smitten with star athlete Oscar Pistorius, who is accused of murdering her in cold blood.

Samantha Jonker (29), who has been friends with Steenkamp since Grade 3, said Steenkamp told her about Pistorius “before any one else did a few months ago”.

“They were keeping it quiet and she seemed so happy. She told me to keep things hush-hush but from what I could gather Reeva was smitten … so I was utterly shocked to hear the news … that he had (allegedly) gunned her down in his own home.”

Jonker said she remembered the first day Steenkamp arrived at primary school – after moving from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, to attend St Dominic’s Priory School.

“Everyone took a liking to her immediately. She gave off such great energy and we always made an effort to stay in touch … “She was an amazing friend, who never had a bad word for anyone, never judged anyone and was loved by all,” she said.

5FM and Expresso celebrity guru Jennifer Su said the last time she saw Pistorius and Steenkamp together they looked “happy in love”.

“I was having dinner with Reeva and Oz very recently after an event. I’ve never seen Oz look so happy like that night. Reeva is beautiful beyond words in a naturally sexy way – and she asked me about TV presenting.

“She was interested in branching out beyond FHM and modelling, and to do more TV work. We made a lunch date for next week where I was going to take her to the studio and make some introductions,” she said.

Steenkamp is a contestant on the upcoming SABC1 reality TV series, Tropika Island of Treasure, which will continue to air as planned tomorrow on SABC1.

Samantha Moon, creator and executive producer of Tropika Island of Treasure, said during the filming of the show, which took place in November in Jamaica last year, Steenkamp was “fearless and funny”.

“She was a favourite of all the cast and crew. It was easy to become afflicted with Reeva-fever. She was a fierce competitor, with both strength and intellect, she nevertheless was most comfortable as ‘the caretaker’, always making sure everyone was happy on set. Reeva was an amazing friend – affable and humble. She often downplayed her stunning beauty,” said Moon.

Pistorius appeared in court today.

The State would argue he had murdered Steenkamp in cold blood, the court heard.

The matter has been postponed until Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Pistorius’ family and management company today disputed claims that the he had murdered Steenkamp, Sapa reported.

“The alleged murder is disputed in the strongest terms,” the family and In-Site Athlete Management said in a statement issued by a public relations company in London.

» Tropika Island of Treasure airs at 18:30pm.