Pistorius faces 'final day' of grilling
PRETORIA - Agence France-Presse
Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius (L) arrives ahead of his trial at North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria April 15, 2014. REUTERS Photo
South African prosecutor Gerrie Nel indicated on Tuesday that he would wrap up his searing cross-examination of Oscar Pistorius, who has now spent more than a week in the witness box.Nel has spent five emotion-filled days dragging Pistorius over the coals, accusing him of lying, tailoring evidence and crying to avoid tough questions.
"We will today finalize the cross-examination of the accused," Nel told the court while asking for a two week postponement.
The cross-examination resumed Tuesday with Nel accusing the sprinter of a cover-up, claiming he knowingly killed the 29-year-old model.
Nel picked at inconsistencies between Pistorius's evidence in court and his lengthy bail application about the noises he heard as he shot.
"There's no indication that you thought they (perceived intruders) were opening the door in your bail application," said Nel.
"You are thinking of a version constantly and not dealing with the question," Nel claimed.
"It's getting more and more improbable and you're tailoring more and more as we go on."
Pistorius tearfully denied the allegation several times.
Earlier, legal teams for the prosecution and the defence both called for a two week adjournment beginning on Friday.
"My colleague has a matter she has to deal with," said Nel.
"We have matters to deal with but there is also certain personal things that we have arranged that have been arranged all before this trial started."
The proposal would see court resume on May 5.
Pistorius's attorney Barry Roux indicated that if the postponement is granted the defence may conclude calling its remaining witnesses by mid-May.
Judge Thokozile Masipa said she would consider the request and rule on Wednesday.
If the defence concludes its case by mid-May another postponement is likely before concluding arguments.