Day 10 of Pistorius trial sees forensic blunders

2014-03-14 468

Day 10 in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial ends with further embarrassment for South African police.

Inside the courtroom, the first policeman to arrive at Pistorius' home admits to a forensics blunder.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) VAN RENSBURG, SAYING:

"I was busy talking on my cellphone, arranging and communicating with some of my superiors and also as well with warrant officer Botha, when I heard that the firearm has been cocked. So I turned my head towards where the firearm was being cocked to see what was going on and at that particular moment the ballistics expert was having the firearm in his hands without gloves."

This may not have much of an impact on the trial, as there is no dispute Pistorius fired the fatal shots that killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

But one forensic scientist says the overall credibility of the investigation could still prove crucial to the outcome.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORENSIC SCIENTIST, DR. DAVID KLATZOW, SAYING:

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