- The Washington Times - Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Oscar Pistorius, currently on trial for murdering his model girlfriend, was involved in an altercation at a club in Johannesburg over the weekend.

Mr. Pistorius, who went to the club with his cousin, was reportedly approached by an overly aggressive patron, according to The Associated Press.

“The individual, according to my client, started to aggressively interrogate him on matters relating to the trial,” Anneliese Burgess, a Pistorius family spokeswoman, told AP. “An argument ensued during which my client asked to be left alone. Oscar soon thereafter left the club with his cousin. My client regrets the decision to go to a public space and thereby inviting unwelcome attention.”

The patron, Jared Mortimer, gave a different story, contending that Mr. Pistorius was drunk, insulting, and made the first move by poking him in the chest.

“He was drunk, but not bad,” Mr. Mortimer told Johannesburg’s Star newspaper. “We were drinking tequila and I still remember putting down my drink and thinking I couldn’t drink it while my friends were being spoken of like that.”

Mr. Pistorius is accused of murdering Reeva Steenkamp at their home on Feb. 14, 2013. Closing arguments for the trial are slated for Aug. 7 and Aug. 8.

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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