PRETORIA: Paralympian star sprinter Oscar Pistorius is suffering from post-traumatic stress after killing his girlfriend and is a suicide risk, a South African court heard on Wednesday.
The diagnosis was contained in a psychological report read to the court by lawyer Barry Roux, who is defending Pistorius on charges that he deliberately shot and killed model Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day last year.
“Mr Pistorius has been severely traumatised by the events that took place, “Roux quoted the report as saying. “He currently suffers from a post-traumatic stress disorder and a major depressive disorder. He is also mourning the loss of Ms Steenkamp.”
Pistorius, 27, had received treatment for his condition and this should continue, the report said.
“Should he not receive proper clinical care, his condition is likely to worsen and increase the risks for suicide.” The report was the result of 30 days of court-ordered psychiatric and psychological observation of the double-amputee athlete.
Judge Masipa ruled that only the conclusions of the report revealed can be published after the defence said it contained “personal details “about the Pistorius family”.
Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2014
