Pistorius' Uncle Says Oscar Is A "Survivor"

Oscar Pistorius' uncle, Arnold Pistorius, told South African media Wednesday his nephew is a "survivor" and suggested the entire family will lean on its Christian faith to get through the ordeal of his murder charge.

Published

3 months ago

Categories

World

Topics

Africa, Olympic Sports, Legal

People

Oscar Pistorius, Reeva Steenkamp, Arnold Pistorius

Places

South Africa

Transcript

The accused has been silent since his arrest but his family continues to speak on his behalf. Oscar Pistorius' uncle, Arnold Pistorius, told South African TV on Wednesday his nephew is still in shock over his murder charge but his family is confident he will pull through. (SOUNDBITE) (English) UNCLE OF OSCAR PISTORIUS, ARNOLD PISTORIUS, SAYING: "Oscar will survive. He will have tough time going forward, but he is a survivor." The uncle of the Olympic medalist now charged with the shooting death of his girlfriend said his nephew is not a violent person, calling him a "peacemaker." He suggested Pistorius will lean on his faith to endure the trial ahead. (SOUNDBITE) (English) UNCLE OF OSCAR PISTORIUS, ARNOLD PISTORIUS, SAYING: "He spent a lot of time reading, especially reading his bible as his mother has taught him. (Reporter saying: "He asked for a bible.") Yes he asked for the bible. And Sheila, his mother, was extremely religious. That is perhaps the wrong word. She was a genuine Christian, a fun Christian, and that's why the kids will pull this through." The interview comes the same day the chief investigator in the murder trial told the court a witness heard "non-stop shouting" before gunshorts went off in the early hours of Valentine's Day.