Did Oscar Pistorius truly believe Reeva was an intruder?

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Oscar Pistorius Claims He Believed Reeva Steenkamp Was an Intruder When He Fired

Oscar Pistorius testified that he shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, because he believed she was an intruder and he was trying to protect her. He stated that he fired four times through a toilet door at his Pretoria home in the mistaken belief that she was an intruder. Pistorius also offered an apology to Steenkamp's mother, stating his actions were driven by the conviction that he was defending Reeva.
Pistorius's Account of Fear and Mistaken Identity

The defense's central argument rests on Pistorius's assertion that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder. He described a disturbed state of mind since the shooting, leading him to take anti-depressants and sleeping pills. Pistorius recounted experiencing severe nightmares, smelling blood, and waking up in a state of terror, even crawling into a cupboard on one occasion. He expressed a profound fear of sleeping due to these episodes.
Witness Testimonies Contradict Pistorius's Claim

Despite Pistorius's claims of believing he was protecting Steenkamp from an intruder, several witnesses have provided testimony that contradicts this narrative. These witnesses reportedly heard the terrified screams of a woman both before and during the volley of shots fired by Pistorius.
Background of the Accused

The trial has captivated South Africa and international sports fans, given Pistorius's status as a globally recognized athlete. Known as the "Blade Runner," the disabled South African track star achieved fame by competing against able-bodied athletes at the London Olympics after winning multiple gold medals at the Paralympics. Pistorius has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include murder and two counts of discharging a firearm in public.

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Did Oscar Pistorius truly believe Reeva was an intruder?

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