Mother’s tribute to Reeva Steenkamp

REEVA Steenkamp, who was allegedly gunned down by Paralympic sports star Oscar Pistorius, was the “most beautiful person who ever lived”, her mother has said.

June Steenkamp described her “horrendous” torment at her model daughter’s death as Pistorius prepares to attend court for a bail hearing today. Mrs Steenkamp told a South African newspaper: “She loved like no one else could love. She had so much of herself to give and now all of it is gone. Just like that, she is gone. In the blink of an eye and a single breath, the most beautiful person who ever lived is no longer here.”

Miss Steenkamp was shot dead at Pistorius’s Pretoria home on Thursday. Pistorius, 26, was remanded in custody after a hearing on Friday at which prosecutors said they intended to pursue a case of premeditated murder against the athlete – which means he could face a life sentence.

The Paralympian, who won two gold medals and a silver at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, was met by a media frenzy as he arrived at the packed courthouse.

His arrest triggered shock across the globe and prompted rumours that he may have mistaken his girlfriend for an intruder in what could have been a Valentine’s Day surprise gone wrong. But police swiftly distanced themselves from that suggestion and said there had been previous incidents of a “domestic nature” at Pistorius’s property. They have said they oppose Pistorius being given bail today.