Deal with dead girlfriend's parents 'could go against Pistorius at trial'
Settlement with slain girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp's parents may be used by the prosecution at his murder trial, expert warns
An out-of-court settlement following months of negotiations between Oscar Pistorius' lawyers and representatives of the parents of his slain girlfriend could work against the Olympic athlete at his March murder trial, a legal expert said.
Steenkamp lawyer Dup de Bruyn first said in August that the parties were negotiating, but both sides have declined to comment on the details, including the amount being considered, because of their sensitive nature.
"Discussions are ongoing and clearly one would like to reach a settlement," Pistorius lawyer Brian Webber said.
Pistorius family spokeswoman Anneliese Burgess said "any dialogue between Oscar's lawyer and the Steenkamp family is a private matter and out of respect for Reeva's memory, we will not be commenting in any way on this".
The trial of the double amputee is due to start on March 3, when South Africa's one-time sporting hero will face charges of murder and illegal possession of ammunition. He also will be indicted on two other charges relating to him allegedly shooting a gun recklessly in a public place.
Pistorius killed Steenkamp at his Pretoria home on February 14 last year and was charged with premeditated murder, which can carry a sentence of life imprisonment in South Africa with a minimum term of 25 years. He denies murder and says he shot Steenkamp with his licensed 9mm handgun through a toilet cubicle door by mistake, fearing she was an intruder.