South African media are reporting that Paralympic gold medalist Oscar Pistorius has allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend after mistaking her for an intruder at his home early Thursday morning.
Pistorius has been arrested and is being questioned by police, The Associated Press reported. He is expected to appear in court later today.
Representatives for Pistorius in South Africa and the United Kingdom could not immediately be reached for comment.
Multiple media outlets in the country, including the Mail & Guardian, citing local police, said the woman, 30, died at the scene at the athlete's house in Pretoria. The original source of the report appears to be Beeld, an Afrikaans-language daily newspaper.
Police spokesperson Captain Sarah Mcirca confirmed to South African media that a woman was shot in the arm and head. A 9mm pistol was recovered at the scene.
Pistorius, 26, made history by being the first double amputee to take part in the Olympics.
Known as the "Blade Runner" for his use of carbon fiber prosthetic blades, Pistorius won gold medals in the 4 x 100 meter relay and 400 meter individual events at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.
He was born without the fibula, the long, slender bone running along the outside of the leg from below the knee joint and down to the ankle, in each of his legs, information on his website says.
Pistorius is a huge star in South Africa and is viewed as an ambassador for the nation's sporting achievements. In 2012, Time magazine named him as one of the world's 100 most influential people.
The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee said that it was not in a position to comment on the alleged fatal shooting. "Our thoughts are with the respective families at this time," the organization said, in a statement.
A 30-year-old woman has been shot dead at the home of Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius, South African police have confirmed.
Police have told The AP that Pistorius is in custody after the incident, and is expected to appear in court later today (February 14).
Reuters quotes a police spokesperson as saying that the woman - who is believed to be the athlete's girlfriend - was found at the Olympic and Paralympic star's house in Pretoria. Paramedics declared her dead at the scene.
"We found a 9mm pistol at the scene," Lt-Col Katlego Mogale said. "A 26-year-old man was taken into custody."
South African media have identified the woman as Pistorius's girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, an FHM cover star, while police sources have confirmed that the woman was shot in the head and arm.
It has been speculated that she may have been shot after being mistaken for a burglar.
Pistorius's manager is quoted as telling eNCA correspondent Karyn Maughan that he is on his way to Pretoria and will issue a statement "once we know what is going on".
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said in a statement that it will not be passing comment on the case while the police investigation is underway, but offered "its deepest sympathy and condolences to all families involved in this case".
Last year, Pistorius became the first double leg amputee to compete in the Olympics, taking part in the men's 400 metres and 4x400 metre relay.
He also won two gold medals and a silver medal in the classes at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, setting a new Paralympic record in the T-44 class 400m final and a world record time in the T42-T46 4x100 metre relay.
seems like a tragic accident, but what kind of person would think to open fire on someone in his home without first making sure they were actually a burglar
people are beginning to speculate that it wasn't actually a case of mistaken identity and that her murder was actually premeditated. no statement has been released confirming or denying that it was an accident.
people are beginning to speculate that it wasn't actually a case of mistaken identity and that her murder was actually premeditated. no statement has been released confirming or denying that it was an accident.
interesting.
according to police there've been reports of domestic violence in his house before. this is taking a crazy turn
plus his estate is known for being the most secure in the whole of south africa, and is surrounded by an electrified fence and patrolled 24/7 by armed security guards
there's no way this **** was an accident. the only place pistorius will be running to is jail.
dunno if it's true