Pistorius grants first TV interview ahead of prison return

Pretoria. (NMG) Convicted former Paralympian champion Osar Pistorius will, for the first time, open up on events that led to him shooting and killing his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine’s Day in 2013.

Pistorius spoke to British investigative journalist Mark Williams-Thomas and the documentary will be aired live on ITV on June 24, 2016.

The British broadcaster confirmed the development in a statement: “Pistorius gives his account of what happened the night he killed his girlfriend and is questioned about key details of the prosecution case which resulted in his conviction. He also talks about his relationship with Reeva, the allegations of his previous abusive behaviour towards her and his previous use of firearms.”

The package will be aired after the conclusion of his sentencing proceedings that start on Monday.

The National Prosecuting Authority wants a minimum of 15 years in jail for the former athlete, who shot Ms Steenkamp through a bathroom door at his Pretoria home in February 2013.

He was initially sent to jail for five years for culpable homicide and spent a year behind bars in Pretoria before being granted parole and being released in October last year.

But the Supreme Court of Appeal overturned the culpable homicide conviction, making him guilty of murder. A five-day sentencing hearing starts on Monday in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

The former athlete’s uncle Arnold Pistorius told journalists that after considering various offers and options available, he decided to allow ITV to do the documentary. The Pistrorius family believes the British broadcaster provide them a voice.

“I felt his (Mark Williams-Thomas) platform on ITV was the most appropriate place to do this – because of its style and format,” he said.

He revealed that since Ms Steenkamp's death, the family had received numerous offers for paid-for interviews but turned down all of them despite the former athlete’s exorbitant legal fees. Pistorius’s uncle added that they will not be paid for the ITV interview.

South African television journalist, Michael Appel, confirmed in a tweet that he was part of the much-awaited documentary.

“Can now officially confirm that I am part of ITV's world exclusive documentary, "Oscar Pistorius: The Interview". Catch me and yes, of course, Oscar, in his first interview ever since the shooting on DSTV 123 at 9pm on June 24.”

The Steenkamps are said to have refused to take part in the hour-long programme.