Pistorius' home may remain crime scene

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PRETORIA, South Africa, March 7 (UPI) -- The home of South African paralympian Oscar Pistorius may be used as evidence in his trial for the shooting death of his girlfriend, crime scene cleaners said.

Eileen De Jager, owner of the private Crime Scene Clean-Ups, said she was told by South African Police Service officials that no one would be allowed to enter the Pretoria house because it will remain a crime scene until the trial begins, ABC News reported Wednesday.

De Jager said police told her the trial judge and other court officials may want to visit the house to clear any misunderstandings that could arise when the case is heard.

The sprinter is accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp, on Feb. 14 when he fired through a closed bathroom door. While he admitted shooting her, Pistorius said he thought he was shooting at a burglar.

Prosecutors charge Pistorius deliberately shot and killed Steenkamp in a fit of rage.

Police refused to confirm or deny whether the house was being preserved as a crime scene, telling ABC News revealing such information now might jeopardize their case later.

Police denied claims by Pistorius' private forensic team that it has been denied access to examine the bathroom door. Investigators hired by the paralympic sprinter told a South African TV station they've yet to be allowed access to the door, which police removed four days after Steenkamp's death.

After a bail hearing last month, Pistorius will appear in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court again in June.

Currently, Pistorius is charged with premeditated murder, but prosecutor indicated at least one more charge, relating to the possession of unlicensed ammunition, would be added.

Pistorius, free on bail that is equivalent to $113,000, is prohibited by bail conditions to return to his home before trial.