The family of Oscar Pistorius has condemned the disrespectful tone of commentary on social media surrounding Pistorius’ killing of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in February.
The family in a statement said they are still grieving for Pistorius’ girlfriend, who they say had become an “intimate member of the Pistorius family”.
The vast amount of attention on social media, often critical, has become “troubling”, the family added.
“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,” the Pistorius’ said.
“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.”
Reference was also made to Pistorius’ role in Steenkamp’s death on the night of February 14, with the paralympian admitting to the killing, although denying premeditated murder as is alleged by the prosecution.
“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.”
