Sports Minister expresses shock at murder charge on ‘Blade Runner

South Africa’s Sports minister Fikile Mbalula has expressed shock and disbelief that star athlete Oscar Pistorius, alias “Blade Runner,” has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend. The “Blade Runner’’ pleaded not guilty to a charge of pre-meditated murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on Feb. 14 at his residence.

“We strongly believe that no one is above the law. None of our sporting heroes and heroines should be associated with such acts of violence against women and children,’’ Mbalula said.
He said Pistorius was an international sports icon and has been a role model to many South African youths.

“I must say I am in complete state of shock and disbelief in the context of increasing abuse against women,’’ Mbalula said.
“Many questions are being asked, but we have no answers. It is only the courts that can provide answers to all these questions.
“My appeal is that we should all apply the principle of innocence until proven otherwise by a law court,’’ Mbalula said.