By Nick Butler

The trial of Oscar Pistorius finally begins tomorrow in Pretoria ©Getty ImagesMarch 2 - Oscar Pistorius's trial is set to get underway tomorrow in Pretoria the midst of a huge media frenzy after a build-up lasting over a year.


The double amputee sprinter, arguably the biggest name in the history of Paralympic sport after winning six gold medals across the last three Games, as well as competing at the London 2012 Olympic Games over 400 metres, is accused of murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp by shooting her in the early hours of Valentines Day last year.

The 27-year-old faces one charge of premeditated murder, a firearms charge associated with her killing, and two separate gun indictments from previous incidents - the murder charge alone carries with it a mandatory life sentence.

Pistorius claims he mistook Steenkamp - a model who he had been dating for several months - for an intruder and shot her through a toilet door.

But prosecutors allege the death was no accident and premeditated after an argument between the couple.

Broadcasters from across the world make preparations to cover the trial of Oscar Pistorius which begins tomorrow ©Getty ImagesBroadcasters from across the world make preparations to cover the trial of Oscar Pistorius which begins tomorrow ©Getty Images




In what is being billed as South Africa's "trial of the century", hundreds of journalists from around the world have already arrived in the South African capital to witness proceedings get underway at the North Gauteng High Court.

Following the landmark decision last week to allow television cameras into a courtroom in the country for the first time, a South African 24-hour channel will start rolling coverage today dedicated exclusively to the trial.

Any testimony by Pistorius, or by a witness who does not consent, will not be televised.