Pistorius supported by fans: agent

Feb 17 2013

The agent of Oscar Pistorius says the double-amputee Olympian has received "overwhelming support" from fans as he remains in custody in a South African police station charged with the shooting murder of his model girlfriend.

Peet van Zyl said on Sunday outside the Brooklyn police station that "international fans from literally all over the world" have sent their good wishes to Pistorius.

Mr Van Zyl says he visited Pistorius at the station to discuss his running career "and the plans that we have made for this year".

He would not comment on how the 26-year-old athlete was and what his mental and emotional state was.

Mr Van Zyl called Reeva Steenkamp's killing at Pistorius' house "a tragic circumstance" and said he also visited Pistorius as a friend "to give him my moral support".

Meanwhile, the family of Ms Steenkamp says her body is back in her hometown of Port Elizabeth and a private funeral has been planned for Tuesday.

Adam Steenkamp, the late model and law graduate's brother, said: "Reeva is back home."

The family said on Sunday that Ms Steenkamp will be cremated in a ceremony closed to the public and the media in the city on South Africa's southern coast.

Pistorius was charged with her murder and is expected to make a court appearance on Tuesday for his bail hearing.

Ms Steenkamp, 29, was seen laughing and smiling on South African television on Saturday night after national broadcaster SABC chose to air the first episode of a reality TV show she featured in.