South African Paralympics hero Oscar "Blade Runner" Pistorius has been charged with murder by police after allegedly shooting his own girlfriend while mistaking her for a burglar at his home in the early hours of Thursday.
It is being reported that it might have been a Valentine's Day surprise that went horribly wrong for the woman, believed to be Reeva Steencamp, although the police denied that thise rumors had come from their department.
Pistorius is known to be dating former FHM model Steenkamp since last November.
"We can confirm that Reeva Steenkamp has passed away," her PR Agency confirmed in a statement. "We are in communication with people on the scene, please wait for official statements, as there is too much speculation at this moment in time.
"We will provide further information as soon as we are able to provide accurate information as to what transpired.
"Our thoughts and prayers go to the Steenkamp family, who have asked to have their privacy respected during this difficult time, everyone is simply devastated. She was the kindest, sweetest human being, an angel on earth and will be sorely missed."
Pistorius, who is being questioned by Pretoria police, was set to appear in court Thursday morning in South Africa, but that has been reportedly postponed to Friday. The woman was shot in the head and arm, tragically dying of her injuries, according to Johannesburg Talk Radio 702. It is understood, the woman was shot four times.
"I can confirm that a woman has been fatally wounded in a shooting at Oscar Pistorius' house," a police spokeswoman said.
"A 26-year-old man has been taken into custody."
"The incident happened at 3am," another spokesperson Katlego Mogale added. "We received a call and attended the scene. The call did not come from the man in custody but from another person.
"Currently there is an inquiry into what happened.
"We can't comment on his emotional well-being, but he is traumatised after losing someone close to him."
South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the entire world and earlier it was believed, that fear that exists among the people might have been one of the major reasons for this tragedy.
"It is alleged that he thought his girlfriend, who'd come in to try to surprise him for Valentine's Day, was an intruder," South African journalist Kalay Maistry told Sky News. "It's alleged that he shot her in the arm and head.
"I think what this actually highlights is the level of fear ordinary South Africans have.
"This is a man who has gone to bed, it's an innocent surprise from a girlfriend ... and the moment he thinks someone is trying to break in he grabs his gun.
"This has come as a complete surprise for a man who's considered a national hero."
Pistorius is known around the world as the "Blade Runner" and became the first double amputee to compete at the Olympics, reaching the semifinals of the 400 meters in London.
The 26-year-old is also a hugely successful athlete in the Paralympics, and has been a source of inspiration for millions of physically challenged people around the world.
