Pistorius Trial Adjourns Until May 5

On Wednesday, Judge Thokozile Masipa granted a two-week adjournment for the murder trial of Olympian Oscar Pistorius.

The adjournment commenced following proceedings at the Pretoria High Court on Thursday. The Independent's Maria Tadeo sayschief prosecutor Gerrie Nel requested the postponement in light of "prior commitments and Easter holidays."

This week, following emotional testimony from Pistorius, the defense called forensic expert Roger Dixon to the stand, who has challenged the murder case against the Paralympian.

Dixon, a geologist at the University of Pretoria and former policeman, testified on hisanalysis of the Olympic sprinter's bathroom door and the pathologist's report on Steenkamp.He also challenged the prosecution's ballistic expert, Captain Chris Mangena.

The Independentreports prosecutor Nel aggressively pressed Dixon on his qualifications in ballistics and pathology.

During the prosecution's cross-examination, Dixon admittedhe did not have adequate expertise in some areas in which he was testifying, including ballistics, blood spatter, sound, and visibility tests.

The prosecution has aimed to undermine the Paralympian's credibility and disrupt hisversion of events that took place the night of Steenkamp's killing. Nel claims Pistorius intentionally shot his girlfriend following a heated argument.

The defense is expected to call 14 to 17 witnesses throughout the duration of the trial.

On March 3, Pistorius pleaded not guilty to one charge of murder and a firearms charge associated with Steenkamp's killing.If convicted, Pistorius faces 25 years in jail.

Written byNicole Bennett

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