Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Oscar Pistorius is due to hold a private memorial service for Reeva Steenkamp, the 29-year-old model he shot at his home on St Valentine’s Day. The service was planned at the Pretoria home of his uncle Arnold, where the Olympic athlete has been staying since he was released on bail awaiting trial on a premeditated-murder charge.
Pistorius’s reputation-management firm said the sprinter had specifically requested the service “as he remains in deep mourning for the loss of his partner, Reeva”, whom he says he shot by accident assuming an intruder had entered his home on 14 February.
“Oscar has asked for a private service with people who share his loss, including his family members who knew and loved Reeva as one of their own,” Vuma Reputation Management said in a statement.
A week ago, a memorial service was held for Ms Steenkamp in her home town of Port Elizabeth, where her body was cremated following a private service.
It was unclear what Pistorius’s service would consist of or how many people would attend, though Ms Steenkamp’s housemates confirmed they would not be going. Vuma said Pistorius “continues to grieve” for her. Vuma spokeswoman Janice Hills would not give any further details about the ceremony, saying it was “a private matter for the family”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments