{{South African athlete Oscar Pistorius has spoken of his sorrow over the fatal shooting of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp exactly a year ago.}}
In a statement on his website, he said: “The loss of Reeva and the complete trauma of that day, I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Mr Pistorius is due to go on trial for her murder in Pretoria in March.
He claims he mistook her for an intruder when he shot her through the toilet door on Valentine’s Day 2013.
State prosecutors allege the killing was premeditated following a fight between the couple. He could face life imprisonment if found guilty of the charge.
The rare statement by the Paralympic sprint star was dated 14 February 2014 and read:
“No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved – and continues to love – Reeva.
“The pain and sadness – especially for Reeva’s parents, family and friends – consumes me with sorrow.
“The loss of Reeva and the complete trauma of that day, I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Oscar.”
He had linked to his statement through his Twitter account with the message: “A few words from my heart.”
Reeva Steenkamp’s uncle said there would be a private family gathering near Cape Town to mark the anniversary of her death, though her parents and brothers would not attend.
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