Hilton Botha Dropped From Oscar Pistorius Case: Report

Lead Investigator Dropped From 'Blade Runner' Case
South African investigating officer Hilton Botha attends on February 19, 2013 the bail hearing of South African Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius at the Magistrate Court in Pretoria. The hearing was postponed to February 20 to allow the prosecution time to study affidavits submitted by the defense. Pistorius is battling to secure bail as he appeared on charges of murdering his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, Valentine's Day. South African prosecutors argued that Pistorius was guilty of premeditated murder in Steenkamp's death, a charge which could carry a life sentence. AFP PHOTO / STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN (Photo credit should read STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images)
South African investigating officer Hilton Botha attends on February 19, 2013 the bail hearing of South African Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius at the Magistrate Court in Pretoria. The hearing was postponed to February 20 to allow the prosecution time to study affidavits submitted by the defense. Pistorius is battling to secure bail as he appeared on charges of murdering his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, Valentine's Day. South African prosecutors argued that Pistorius was guilty of premeditated murder in Steenkamp's death, a charge which could carry a life sentence. AFP PHOTO / STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN (Photo credit should read STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images)

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 21 (Reuters) - The lead investigator in Oscar Pistorius' murder trial was taken off the case after it emerged he was facing attempted murder charges, South African media said on Thursday, citing chief of police Riah Phiyega.

(Reporting by Ed Cropley; Editing by Jon Herskovitz)

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