Steenkamp lawyer denies second stroke
Lawyers for the family of Reeva Steenkamp, shot dead by paralympian Oscar Pistorius, denied reports on Friday that her father Barry had suffered a second stroke.
"Recent reports appeared in the media intimating that Barry Steenkamp has recently suffered a second stroke. The report is incorrect," legal firm De Villiers Inc said in a statement.
The Times, quoting family lawyer Dup de Bruyn, reported on Friday that Steenkamp suffered a second stroke a few days ago.
"It was light... he has recovered reasonably well, but it is a traumatic time," De Bruyn reportedly said.
"He simply cannot see his way forward to come to the trial."
Barry reportedly suffered his first stroke at the end of January.
Pistorius is accused of murdering Steenkamp on February 14 last year. His murder trial begins in the High Court in Pretoria on Monday and is expected to run until March 20.
- Sapa