Top officer takes over Pistorius probe

South Africa’s top detective has been appointed lead investigator in the Oscar Pistorius case, replacing a veteran policeman who was charged with attempted murder in the latest shock development to hit a case being watched closely by the world.

Riah Phiyega, National Police Commissioner, said a team of “highly skilled and experienced” officers would investigate the killing of Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius, 26, has been charged with premeditated murder of his 29-year-old girlfriend.

The decision to put police Lieutenant General Vinesh Moonoo in charge came soon after word emerged the initial chief investigator, Hilton Botha, is facing attempted murder charges, and a day after he offered testimony that damaged the prosecution’s case in Pistorius’s bail hearing.