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Pretoria - Final arguments in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial got under way in the North Gauteng High Court on Thursday morning.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel opened the day's proceedings, setting out the State's case that Pistorius deliberately murdered his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine's Day last year.
Pistorius has denied guilt, saying he thought she was an intruder about to open the door and attack him. The State contends he shot her during an argument.
Pistorius is also charged with three contraventions of the Firearms Control Act, one of illegal possession of ammunition and two of discharging a firearm in public. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges as well.
The State filed its final arguments on 30 July, and the defence on Monday.
Arrival
Dressed in a black striped suit, Pistorius jumped out of a white SUV parked in the street in front of the court at around 09:05. He was flanked by three men and did not look at the media who greeted him.
School children, dressed in uniform, were standing nearby to see the Paralympic athlete. One girl turned to her friend and said "We missed him. Oscar passed".
Pistorius's sister Aimee arrived shortly after her brother.
Pistorius's legal team, including Barry Roux and Kenny Oldwage, arrived shortly before 09:00. Roux smiled at the media who asked him questions.
Other members of the Pistorius family, including his uncle Arnold, arrived at around 09.10.
Scores of journalists, photographers, and cameramen and women lined the entrance to the court. Some used step ladders to get a better view of the athlete arriving.
Police vehicles were parked outside court and officers kept an eye.
Steenkamp parents in court
Thursday was the first time Steenkamp's father Barry came to court with her mother June. June Steenkamp has attended most of the trial.
Steenkamp's Johannesburg family the Myers were also in court.
Photographers took photos and filmed as both families arriving.
Four women dressed in African National Congress Women's League attire arrived at court shortly before 09:00.
TV outside broadcast vehicles were parked in the street opposite the court.
