Steenkamp family appoints lawyers to protect interests

Reeva Steenkamp’s parents appointed lawyers to protect their interests after their daughter was killed in paralympian Oscar Pistorius’ home.

In a statement released yesterday, June and Barry Steenkamp said this was a very sad and traumatic time for them, but they understood the intense media interest, Eyewitness News reported.

The Steenkamps requested the media to respect their privacy and said they would not be doing any interviews for the time being.

Pistorius was charged with murder after Steenkamp was shot and killed at his home in Pretoria on February 14.

He was granted bail of R1 million. He was allowed to pay an initial instalment of R100 000, with the balance due by March 1.

Steenkamp was cremated in a private ceremony in Port Elizabeth on February 19.

In an affidavit submitted as part of his application for bail, Pistorius said he thought there was an intruder in his house when he fired the shots.

Attorney Mike Venter and senior advocate Dup de Bruyn were appointed by the Steenkamp family to look after their interests, according to the report.

Pistorius’ next court appearance is on June 4.

- Sapa