Pistorius has no mental disorder

The panel of three psychiatrists and a psychologist was appointed by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, after the defense witness, forensic psychologist Merryl Vorster, said that she believed that Oscar Pistorius was suffering from general anxiety disorder.

The panel's findings were revealed in court on Monday, as Pistorius returned to the courtroom after undergoing a mental examination for 30 days. State Prosecutor Gerrie Nel read the psychiatric report to the court: "At the time of the alleged offences the accused did not suffer from a mental disorder or a mental defect that affected his ability to distinguish between rightful or wrongful nature of his deeds."

Both the prosecution and the defense accepted the assessment. However, the two sides could challenge parts of it at a later stage.

Experts still in doubt?

Clinical psychologist Dorianne Weil, explained why the earlier claims that Pistorius suffered from general anxiety disorder could still be relevant. Pistorius, she says, might for instance suffer from hypervigilance, which causes exaggerated reactions in people. "[He] might have seen the world as a more hostile place, so for instance if you hear a noise you might investigate the noise," Weil said. "If he hears the noise because of past history, experience and so on he might see an intruder much more quickly."

Pistorius could face life imprisonment

Once the reports were heard, the trial then immediately proceeded, with defense lawyer Barry Roux calling to the stand the first of his remaining four witnesses. Dr Gerry Versfeld, Pistorius' orthopaedic surgeon outlined details of how the amputation affected the 27-year-old's balance and movements. In the cross examination, however, State Prosecutor Nel argued that Pistorius moved around and fired four gun shots while on his stumps despite his claims, that he had great difficulties walking without his prosthetic legs.

Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked toilet door on February 14, 2013. He claims he mistook her for an intruder but the state argues that he intentionally shot Steenkamp after she locked herself in the toilet following an argument between the two.

If Pistorius is found guilty of murder, he could face life imprisonment. The paralympic champion is also charged with the illegal possession of ammunition and three contraventions of the Fire Arms Control Act. He has pleaded not guilty on all the charges.