MEDIA STATEMENT

Monday, 03 June 2013, Pretoria

As a family we fully stand behind Oscar as he prepares to appear in Court this Tuesday. We believe in him, love him and will support him every step of the way in what lies ahead.

We were shaken by the graphic images, leaked into the public domain this week, of the accident scene at Oscar’s house.

It has always been our plea that the legal process be allowed its run its course with integrity. The leaking of evidential material into the public domain, before the court case, does not advance this process.

We continue to have great faith in the South African legal justice system and believe that Oscar’s account of what happened on that terrible night in February will be borne out by the evidence that the Defence Team will lead in court.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Arnold Pistorius (Oscar’s Uncle) by Anneliese Burgess (Media Manager)

Cell: 083 413 6573

Email: media@abproductions.co.za

Ref: Print/Foreign

Media Advisory: The family does not plan to comment after the court proceedings on Tuesday

“Oscar has no plans to compete internationally at this point”

STATEMENT BY PEET VAN ZYL, AGENT

Pretoria, 17 April 2013

This decision does not come as a surprise to us. There never were any plans for Oscar to participate in London. The fact of the matter is that Oscar has been withdrawn from all international competitions at this point. He is not training officially and there are no plans, at this point, for him to resume his international career.

His focus now remains on preparing for and dealing with the legal process in South Africa

ENDS

Peet van Zyl

Cell: +2783 260 6940

STATEMENT BY THE PISTORIUS FAMILY

Pretoria, 14 April 2013

In response to the articles in the Sunday Times and Rapport newspapers in South Africa today, Arnold Pistorius, uncle of Oscar, wishes to state the following:

As indicated to both publications, we confirm that Oscar did go out with some of his friends last weekend. It was the first time in the past two months that he left the house with anyone other than close family.

We deny in the strongest possible terms the version of events as portrayed in the reports today.

What was portrayed in these reports is in no way an accurate reflection of Oscar’s state of mind and the manner in which this outing was sensationlised is very disappointing.

These reports are however, a rude reminder that Oscar’s every move is under intense scrutiny by the media and, as a family, we have advised him to find other ways of coping with his sense of isolation.

ENDS

Media Manager

Anneliese Burgess

Cell: +2783 413 6573

Email: media@abproductions.co.za

PRETORIA, 11 APRIL

Oscar, and the Pistorius family, are deeply disturbed by the tone of a number of recent reports in the South African tabloid press as well as commentary on various social media platforms.

The disregard that is being shown by some – specifically those commenting via social media – for the profound pain that Reeva’s family and friends are going through is very troubling.

There is not a moment in the day that Oscar does not mourn for his girlfriend and Reeva’s family, and all those who were close to her, are in his thoughts constantly.

It is a great sadness for Oscar that, in the short period that he and Reeva were together, the opportunity never arose for him to meet her family as she did his. He remembers that she always spoke with great love of her family.

Although their relationship was young, she had become an intimate member of the Pistorius family. “She touched all of us with her generosity of spirit and constant affection and will always remain in our hearts.”

Over the past few weeks, Oscar has found comfort in spending time and sharing memories with many of those whom she loved, in surroundings where shared memories were created.

Just as the Pistorius family struggle on a daily basis with the loss of Reeva, they are deeply aware that everyone whose lives she touched is grieving too, and that everyone is doing this in their own way.

For Oscar the process is “incredibly overwhelming” as he struggles not only to deal with manner in which he lost his girlfriend, but also his role in it.

Oscar and his family want to affirm that Reeva’s family, and everyone who loved her, are constantly in their prayers.

ENDS

Enquiries:

Media Manager

Anneliese Burgess

Tel: +2783 413 6573

Email: media@abproductions.co.za

South Africa, Pretoria, 4 April 2013

OSCAR NOT TRAINING COMPETITIVELY

In response to the various media reports this morning that Oscar Pistorius is back in training, the Pistorius family wish to state the following:

Oscar is not back on any official training programme.  This may change in future, but this will be a decision taken by Oscar, and Oscar alone.  At this point Oscar is still in an extremely traumatized state and has made it clear to all of us that he is not able or willing to even contemplate this issue at this stage.  Against this backdrop, we can confirm that we did have a meeting with Oscar yesterday where various family members and his trainer were present.  We all encouraged him to get back onto the track to help stabilize him emotionally.  Oscar has been out running on a number of isolated occasions in the days following the relaxation of his bail conditions, but each time has been very difficult and he has “struggled immensely” with the decision to even leave the house. As a family however we encourage him to start exercising as we believe it is a vital step in helping him deal with the trauma.

Arnold Pistorius

-Ends-

Anneliese Burgess

Cell: +2783 413 6573

Email: media@abproductions.co.za

The family’s spokesperson, Oscar’s uncle, Arnold Pistorius, says Oscar has an excellent support structure in his family.

“From the moment we were first informed about the dreadful event of the early morning of 14 February 2013, we have worked hard to come to terms with the sad news of Reeva Steenkamp’s death and Oscar’s role in it.

“As a family it drew us closer together, supporting and encouraging each other, praying for Oscar – whom we love and who remains our son, brother and nephew.  We have all been deeply affected by what transpired.

“Oscar, broken as he currently is, believes he has a purpose in life and is working towards that. Media reports to the contrary are untrue,” says Arnold Pistorius.

While the family doesn’t deny that Oscar’s legal expenses are massive and that he has sold off some of his investments, including his racehorses, Arnold says Oscar will evaluate the cost situation on a day-to-day basis and make decisions as required.

“We are acutely aware of the fact that this is only the beginning of a long road to prove that, as we believe, Oscar never intended to harm Reeva Steenkamp. We also realise that the law must run its course, and we respect this process.

“As a family, we remain confident that this will prove to have been a terrible and tragic accident, which has changed many lives forever.

“Of course Oscar will never be the same, having to live with the knowledge that he caused the death of the woman he loved, but he is coping as best he can with the support of his loved ones,” Arnold Pistorius says.

-Ends-

Arnold Pistorius

pistoriusfamily@hotmail.com

pistoriusfamilie@gmail.com

HOLDING STATEMENT

MEDIA TEAMS HAND OVER TO PISTORIUS FAMILY

SOUTH AFRICA, JOHANNESBURG MARCH 9 2013

Following the tragic incident at Oscar Pistorius’ house on the morning of 14th February 2013, the Pistorius family appointed Vuma Reputation Management as their media team and advisor, to assist the family in dealing with the volume of queries and requests from across the globe, on account of Oscar’s international status as an sporting icon.

The media team was appointed on a short-term contract, from the evening of February 18 2013 until the morning of March 08 2013.  The team’s role was to ensure that respect and sensitivity was shown to all in mourning; to distribute factually correct media statements; and to act as spokespersons for the family. The Pistorius family is now in a much stronger position to manage its interactions with the media.

UK-based Stuart Higgins and Fast Track were brought into the current situation in the short term until they handed over to Vuma Reputation Management as a leading local operation with the relevant experience in dealing with both South African and global media. Fast Track was Oscar’s London 2012 publicist for 18 months leading into the London Olympics and Paralympics. The contract with Fast Track had ended on 31 December 2012.

The Pistorius family and Oscar himself would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Stuart Higgins, Fast Track and Vuma Reputation Management for stepping in to assist at very short notice, and allowing the family the space to focus on their own personal grief during this traumatic period.

The new contact details for all media queries both locally and internationally for Oscar and the Pistorius family are:

• pistoriusfamily@gmail.com
• pistoriusfamily@hotmail.com
• Contact Person – Johan Van Wyk  - +27 82 883 3310
• www.oscarpistorius.com for regular updates from the family

South Africa, Pretoria, March 4 2013

 Oscar Pistorius’s family is deeply concerned about the comments made by Oscar’s father, Henke Pistorius, to UK newspaper the Telegraph about the family using its weapons to defend themselves against crime in South Africa, and especially about his comments that the ANC government is not willing to protect white South Africans.

“The Pistorius family own weapons purely for sport and hunting purposes,” said Arnold Pistorius, family spokesperson.

Oscar and the rest of the Pistorius family distances itself from the comments. “Henke’s interview with the newspaper was unapproved by our media liaison team” Pistorius  said.  “The comments doesn’t represent the views of Oscar or the rest of the Pistorius family.”

“We are acutely aware of the fact that we are only at the beginning of a long road to prove that what happened to Reeva Steenkamp was a terrible accident and that Oscar  never intended to harm her, let alone cause her death.

“As a family, and Oscar in particular, we will never be the same after the tragic events on 14 February this year. We are still in deep mourning, trying to come to terms with what happened. For this reason and out of respect for the Steenkamp family, the Pistorius family will not grant any media interviews at this time” Arnold Pistorius said.

LEAK TO MEDIA REGARDING OSCAR PISTORIUS’S PRIVATE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR REEVA STEENKAMP

Pretoria, South Africa, February 26, 2013

This statement is released in response to a leak to the media regarding a planned private memorial service for Reeva Steenkamp.

Oscar Pistorius, will hold a private memorial service for Reeva Steenkamp at the house of his uncle, Arnold Pistorius, tonight.

Oscar specifically requested the memorial service as he continues to grieve and remains in deep mourning for the loss of his partner Reeva. Since it is such a sensitive issue, Oscar has asked for a private service with people who share his loss, including his family members who knew and loved Reeva as one of their own.

The Pistorius family would like to make a personal request to the media, to please respect their privacy at their home in Pretoria tonight.

OSCAR PISTORIUS COMPLIES WITH BAIL CONDITIONS

SOUTH AFRICA, PRETORIA, FEBRUARY 25, 2013

The bail conditions of Oscar Pistorius do not specifically state that he has to report to Pretoria’s Brooklyn Police Station.

Pistorius met with officials at Correctional Services, to discuss visitation procedures.

A copy of the bail conditions, obtained from Chief Magistrate Desmond Nair’s office, shows the magistrate decreed in paragraph (h) that Pistorius, “shall be placed under and shall submit himself to the supervision of a probation officer and a correctional official from the date of release (the date his bail application was granted) until conclusion of his case subject to certain terms.”

The bail conditions, under paragraph (h) state these conditions as follows:

1. The National Prosecuting Authority will facilitate the appointment of a probation officer and a correctional official
2. The probation officer will provide weekly reports to the Prosecuting Authority and the accused’s defense team regarding the accused’s mental health and emotional state
3. The accused shall, at his own cost, comply with all requests of the probation officer to consult with professional health care providers
4. (This sub-paragraph was removed by Chief Magistrate Nair)
5. The accused shall inform the correctional official of all his movements within the District of Pretoria prior to undertaking such journey
6. The accused shall obtain permission from the correctional official prior to undertaking any journey outside the District of Pretoria
7. The correctional official may request the accused to visit him or her at a designated place to clarify and/or co-ordinate any contemplated travel arrangements referred to in sub-paragraphs (v) and (vi) above
8. The correctional official may visit the accused at any reasonable time, day or night, to ascertain the accused’s well-being and compliance with these conditions
9. The accused shall provide the probation officer and correctional official with a cellular phone number and shall be available to be contacted at this number at any time during day or night.

According to Oscar’s uncle Arnold Pistorius, Oscar is free to move around within the Pretoria area, during the following days and times: 08h00-19h00 from Monday to Friday, 08h00-14h00 on Saturdays and 06h00 – 13h00.