PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) -- South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority acknowledged that the timing of attempted murder charges against a police detective leading the investigation into Oscar Pistorius is "totally weird" and that he should dropped from the case against the world-famous athlete.
Bulewa Makeke, spokeswoman for the NPA, said Thursday that detective Hilton Botha should be replaced, but that it's a decision for police and not prosecutors.
Police said Thursday that Botha, who gave testimony Wednesday opposing Pistorius' application for bail, faces attempted murder charges in connection with a 2011 shooting incident.
Police said Botha and two other police officers had fired at a minibus and will appear in court in May to face seven counts of attempted murder.
Pistorius is charged with premeditated murder in the Valentine's Day shooting of his girlfriend.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:45 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:45:27 GMT
NASCAR racing legends and brothers Darrell and Michael Waltrip preview the holiday weekend's Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina.
NASCAR racing legends and brothers Darrell and Michael Waltrip preview the holiday weekend's Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina. The race is set for Sunday at 6 p.m. on FOX 5.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:19 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:19:38 GMT
Chris Kreider steered in a pass from Rick Nash 7:03 into overtime, and the New York Rangers stayed alive in the Stanley Cup playoffs with a 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins on Thursday night.
Chris Kreider steered in a pass from Rick Nash 7:03 into overtime, and the New York Rangers stayed alive in the Stanley Cup playoffs with a 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins on Thursday night.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:34 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:34:35 GMT
The Boston Bruins are on the brink of the Eastern Conference finals, and they got there on the backs of their suddenly offensive defensemen and a potent fourth line of forwards.
The Boston Bruins are on the brink of the Eastern Conference finals, and they got there on the backs of their suddenly offensive defensemen and a potent fourth line of forwards.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:55 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:55:22 GMT
The New York Yankees are going into the soccer business.
The New York Yankees are going into the soccer business. The Yankees are partnering with Manchester City to own Major League Soccer's 20th team, which will be called New York City Football Club and plans to start play in the 2015 season.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:53 AM EDT2013-05-21 09:53:31 GMT
Jay Bruce hit a tiebreaking homer and drove in two runs to back Johnny Cueto's wild but effective return from the disabled list, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the New York Mets 4-3 Monday night.
Jay Bruce hit a tiebreaking homer and drove in two runs to back Johnny Cueto's wild but effective return from the disabled list, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the New York Mets 4-3 Monday night.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:05:15 GMT
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
Monday, May 20 2013 3:36 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:36:09 GMT
AP photo
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez started his third week of on-field work by adding defensive drills and hitting in a cage. The 37-year-old, recuperating from left hip surgery on Jan. 16, fielded grounders
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez started his third week of on-field work by adding defensive drills and hitting in a cage. The 37-year-old, recuperating from left hip surgery on Jan. 16, fielded grounders
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:06 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:06:52 GMT
Johnny Boychuk broke a tie midway through the second period, and the Boston Bruins scored two goals in the third to beat the New York Rangers 5-2 on Sunday
Johnny Boychuk broke a tie midway through the second period, and the Boston Bruins scored two goals in the third to beat the New York Rangers 5-2 on Sunday
Saturday, May 18 2013 11:37 PM EDT2013-05-19 03:37:47 GMT
Lance Stephenson scored nine of his playoff career-high 23 points during a late 11-2 run Saturday night, leading the Indiana Pacers past the New York Knicks, 106-99 and into the Eastern Conference finals
Lance Stephenson scored nine of his playoff career-high 23 points during a late 11-2 run Saturday night, leading the Indiana Pacers past the New York Knicks, 106-99 and into the Eastern Conference finals
Friday, May 24 2013 12:31 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:31:16 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy.
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:12:21 GMT
AP photo
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:23 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:23:33 GMT
New Jersey's education commissioner has overturned the firing of a high school athletic director who was caught on camera putting dog waste on his ex-wife's car.
New Jersey's education commissioner has overturned the firing of a high school athletic director who was caught on camera putting dog waste on his ex-wife's car.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:29 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:29:05 GMT
AP photo
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested Thursday for allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building and throwing a marijuana bong out of a window, said police.
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested Thursday for allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building and throwing a marijuana bong out of a window, said police.
