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Reeva Steenkamp's family and friends 'disappointed' by verdict
After Oscar Pistorius is cleared of murder, his family says there are 'no victors' in such a tragic scenario
Family and friends of Reeva Steenkamp broke down in tears today as Judge Thokozile Masipa confirmed that Oscar Pistorius was guilty of culpable homicide but not of murder.
For much of the six-month trial, Reeva's mother June has revealed little emotion as she listened to the dramatic story of her daughter's death retold in court.
Today she remained stoic, although was seen shaking her head and comforting another family member who was visibly upset (pictured below), reports The Guardian's David Smith from the courtroom.
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Reeva's best friend Gina Myers, with whom she lived in Johannesburg, also broke down in tears during the hearing.
Reeva's father Barry (pictured below looking over at Pistorius) was in court today, despite spending much of the trial watching from home after suffering two strokes earlier this year. His brother Mike, who travelled from Cape Town to support him, told The Guardian that the family has had to constantly relive the night of Reeva's death.
"It doesn't go away," he said. "The experience is a daily occurrence. It's not something you sweep under the carpet and it's gone. It's up in your face all the time. As it goes on, flashes of Reeva keep coming back."
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(Image credit: 2014 Getty Images)
Two months ago, June Steenkamp said her religion had helped her to "forgive" Pistorius. "I trust that God will prevail and justice will be done. All we want is the truth," she told Hello! magazine.
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The Steenkamp family is yet to give a statement, but after Pistorius was acquitted of murder yesterday one of the victim's relatives told South African journalist Rebecca Davis: "Obviously we are very disappointed but are trying to stay strong."
South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority said it was also "disappointed" that it was not successful in securing a premeditated murder conviction. The prosecutors will wait until the case is concluded before deciding whether or not to take any further legal steps, such as an appeal.
Pistorius's uncle Arnold made a statement in court today, saying there were "no victors" in such a tragic event. "We, as a family, remain deeply affected by the devastating tragedy," he said, adding that they were "deeply grateful" to Judge Masipa for finding Pistorius not guilty of murder.
Meanwhile, the International Paralympic Committee has said Pistorius will be allowed to compete in future sporting events.
