AS IT HAPPENED: Day 39. Pistorius on trial

Court resumes. Roux begins...

Will the defence close its case today?

Reeva Steenkamp's mother, June, has told a British magazine that she has forgiven Oscar Pistorius, who is on trial for the murder of her daughter.

On Monday Hello! magazine published an interview with June Steenkamp, Sapa reported.

"I don't hate Oscar," she told the magazine."I've forgiven him. I have to - that's my religion. But I am determined to face him and re-claim my daughter. It's important for him to know that I'm there, that Reeva's mother who gave birth to her and loved her, is there for her."

The defence team of Oscar Pistorius is expected to close its case on Tuesday at the North Gauteng High Court, Sapa reported.

On Monday Barry Roux SC, for the athlete, asked the court to adjourn to Tuesday, to consult with his team before closing his case.

Before court adjourned, Roux requested a consultation with the State's psychiatrist Dr Carla Kotze, before deciding on whether to call a last witness.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel objected, saying the defence could consult its own psychiatrist, Dr Leon Fine.

Judge Thokozile Masipa ruled against the request saying no basis had been laid for it.