Latest news with #Paralympian
The South African
a day ago
- General
- The South African
Oscar Pistorius 'not guilty' claims: Reeva's reps respond
Reeva Steenkamp's family legal representative has responded to Oscar Pistorius's claims that he had 'no intent' to murder the model. Last week, Henke Pistorius claimed that his son was 'not guilty' of killing his girlfriend. He believes the former Paralympian was, however, responsible for manslaughter and has since accused the state of being 'incompetent' and 'liars'. Reeva was shot and killed after being mistaken for a home intruder at Oscar's Pretoria mansion. He has since served half of his 13 years and five months behind bars, and is now on parole. Last week, OscarPistorius's dad, Henke, appeared on the Piers Morgan Uncensored show, where he made bold claims about his son's murder trial. In it, he accused the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of being 'incompetent and dishonest'. He also accused state prosecutor Gerrie Nel of 'misleading and lying to the court' Henke repeatedly claimed that Oscar had 'no intent to kill' Reeva Steenkamp. He referred to evidence of his son using just four bullets to murder Reeva Steenkamp through a toilet door. Henke also claimed that Oscar did not know that his girlfriend was in the bathroom. Oscar Pistorius – who shot and killed Reeva on 14 February 2013 – was convicted of culpable homicide in October 2014. This was later upgraded to murder in December 2015. At the time, he was handed a six-year prison sentence. However, in November 2017, following an unsuccessful appeal, the Supreme Court of Appeal increased his jail term to 13 years and five months. Oscar Pistorius's dad Henke says his son is not guilty of murder. Images via SIPHIWE SIBEKO for AFP/ YouTube screenshot: Piers Morgan Uncensored. In a statement to The South African, Tana Koen, the legal representative for Reeva Steenkamp's family, expressed her shock at Henke's claims. 'It is on record that the learned judges of the Supreme Court of Appeal found that in firing the fatal shots, the accused must have foreseen, and therefore foresaw that whoever was behind the toilet door might die. 'The judgement further stated that the contradictions were so serious that one really does not know that his explanations are for having fired the fatal shots. No similar statements were made about the state's conduct. During his interview with Piers Morgan, Henke Pistorius also challenged the former NPA prosecutor to debate him on Oscar's murder trial. Henke demanded the 'same rules as court' in his face-off with Gerrie. He said: 'I ask the questions, he can just say 'yes or no'. Let's see if he will accept that, please'. Gerrie – who now works for AfriForum's private prosecuting unit – has yet to respond. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 .
Business News Wales
a day ago
- General
- Business News Wales
Line-Up Unveiled for Global Empowerment and Inclusion Summit
The lineup of speakers has been announced for a summit set to be held in Geneva later this month. The Global Empowerment and Inclusion Summit, due to be held on June 26 at the United Nations Palais de Nations, is being curated by Bernie Davies, founder of Mastering Diversity CIC. It aims to bring together sport, diversity and innovation in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event will be supported by Mastering Diversity CIC's patrons Edward Watts MBE and Janey Howell, High Sheriff of South Glamorgan 2024-2025. The summit will open with remarks from Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport and an international sports law expert and human rights advocate, and Paralympian Steve Brown. Helen Phillips MBE, Regional VP Commonwealth Games and President Commonwealth Games Wales, will also be at the event. Featured speakers and panellists include: Lady Anne Welsh, CEO of Painless Universal Duchess Nivin El Gamal of Lamberton, Founder of Duchess Prestige Mfikela Jean Samuel, COO TechCeFaCos Group, Tedx Speaker, Adviser Dr Alison Edgar MBE, Entrepreneur Educator & Board Member Scarlett Allen-Horton, Apprentice Finalist & Sir Alan Sugar's Business Partner Legal leaders from Hugh James, Thompsons Solicitors, Kenworthys Chambers, Browne Jacobson, and Legal News Wales Organisations such as Ogi, Latch Childrens' Charity, GAVO, C-Lash DEI and entrepreneurship voices including Akmal Hanuk, Cornelia Choe, Joy Macko, Jan Iverson and Melitta Campbell Cultural influencers and technologists from the USA, UK, and Europe The Mastering Diversity Youth Advisory Board will lead their own panel on Empowering Youth Through Creative Technologies. They will be supported by Kerrie Gemmill, CEO of Scouts Cymru. In the lead-up to the Geneva summit, Mastering Diversity CIC will host The Road to the UN – In Pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals on June 17 at Hugh James in Cardiff.
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Paralympian Michelle Stilwell elected vice-president of Canadian Paralympic Committee Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Paralympic champion Michelle Stilwell has been elected vice-president of the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) following the first meeting of its recently elected Board of Directors. A decorated four-time Paralympian, public servant, and tireless advocate, Stilwell brings diverse expertise to the role and a unique perspective on the power of sport to drive social impact, national unity, and systemic change. On the field of play, Stilwell achieved the rare feat of winning gold medals in two different sports – wheelchair basketball and Para athletics. She ultimately captured seven Paralympic podiums, including six gold, in her impressive career. Off the field of play, Stilwell served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in British Columbia and as Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation, bringing deep insight into public policy and advocacy. "I'm honoured and grateful for the trust placed in me by my colleagues to serve in the capacity of vice-president," said Stilwell. "Now, more than ever, we must position Paralympic sport not only as elite competition, but as a catalyst for inclusion, health, and national pride. Sport isn't a 'nice-to-have.' It's a nation-building force. "I've seen first-hand the passion and integrity that drives our movement forward. As vice-president, one of my priorities will be to help foster new allies – across government, the private sector, and community leaders – who understand that investing in Paralympic sport is investing in the future of this country. "While we have world-class athletes, staff, and partners, we also have work to do. I believe, together, we can elevate our voice, sharpen our strategy, and strengthen our impact." Stilwell has been a member of the CPC's Board of Directors since 2022 and has just commenced a new four-year term through 2029. She will lead the CPC alongside president Marc-André Fabien, who was re-elected in April. "Michelle brings a powerful and rare combination of experience – as a Paralympic champion, Cabinet Minister, and lifelong advocate for inclusion and accessibility. We are thrilled to welcome her as vice-president of the Board," said Fabien. "Her leadership at the highest levels of both sport and government will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our impact, elevate athlete representation, and build a more inclusive and vibrant Paralympic sport system across the country."
The South African
3 days ago
- The South African
Oscar Pistorius's dad wants to debate Gerrie Nel over murder trial 'LIES'
Oscar Pistorius's dad, Henke, has challenged state prosecutor Gerrie Nel to debate on the 'facts' surrounding his son's murder sentence for the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The former Paralympian shot and killed his partner after mistaking her for a home intruder at his Pretoria mansion. He has served half of his 13 years and five months behind bars, and is now on parole. Henke believes his son is guilty of manslaughter and has accused the state of being 'incompetent' and 'liars'. Speaking on the Piers Morgan Uncensored show last week, Oscar Pistorius's dad Henke accused the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of being 'incompetent and dishonest' He particularly accused state prosecutor Gerrie Nel of 'misleading and lying to the court' Challenging him to a one-on-one, Henke said: 'I want to offer to have a debate with Gerrie Nel live on TV. I would love it'. Oscar Pistorius's dad Henke says he is not guilty of murder. Images via SIPHIWE SIBEKO for AFP/ YouTube screenshot: Piers Morgan Uncensored Henke said that Oscar – who had 'no intention to kill' – was 'mauled' by Gerrie in the courtroom. Oscar was just an athlete. Here he was faced with a guy called the 'Bulldog' by the press. It was so unfair to leave him exposed to a guy like that. Henke demanded the 'same rules as court' in his face-off with Gerrie Nel. 'I ask the questions, he can just say 'yes or no'. Let's see if he will accept that, please'. Oscar Pistorius – who shot and killed Reeva Steenkamp on 14 February 2013 – was convicted of culpable homicide in October 2014. This was later upgraded to murder in December 2015. He was handed a six-year prison sentence. However, the Supreme Court of Appeal increased his jail term to 13 years and five months following an unsuccessful appeal in November 2017. In January 2024, Oscar was released on parole after serving half of his sentence behind bars. He will serve the remainder of his sentence under strict parole conditions until it expires in 2029. In 2017, Gerrie Nel – nicknamed the 'Bulldog' over his tenacity in the courtroom – retired from the NPA. He has since joined AfriForum's private prosecuting unit. Coincidentally, he joins Barry Bateman – AfriForum's spokesperson – who defended Oscar Pistorius during his high-profile trial. As in the case against Oscar, Gerrie has helped to prosecute the following high-profile people… George Bizos's son Alexi for assaulting his wife, Monique van Oosterhout University of Cape Town Professor Pierre de Vos for allegedly distributing child pornography on social media. Businessman Jaco Swart, whose brutal assault against his wife Nicoleen went viral in 2028. He is also representing the following cases; Bergview College Principal Jaco Pieterse who was implicated in the alleged rape of Cwecwe The family of the late Senzo Meyiwa, the Orlando Pirates goalkeeper who was killed in 2014. The widow of police detective Charl Kinnear, who was killed in 2020. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 days ago
- The South African
Oscar Pistorius's dad says he is NOT guilty of murder
Oscar Pistorius's father, Henke, has strongly denied claims that his son murdered his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, more than a decade ago. Instead, the billionaire businessman claims that the former Paralympian was only guilty of manslaughter. Last year, Oscar was granted parole after serving half of his 13-year and five-month murder sentence behind bars. He will serve the remainder of his sentence under strict surveillance until it expires in 2029. In 2014, Reeva was shot and killed after the double amputee athlete reportedly mistook her for a home intruder at his Pretoria mansion. Speaking on the Piers Morgan Uncensored show last week, Oscar Pistorius's dad shared his views about his son's sentence. He said, 'My opinion has nothing to do with race. It has to do with poor judicial representation and the incompetent and dishonest behaviour of state prosecutors. 'He doesn't agree with me at all; in fact, he would talk to me about it. '[Murder and manslaughter] are two vastly big things. Oscar is not guilty of murder'. Henke went on to accuse state prosecutor Gerrie Nel of 'misleading and lying to the court' Henke also sensationally claimed that a 'leading judge in South Africa' approached him with comments echoing his own sentiments. The mining and property developer said his son Oscar Pistorius has 'no intention to kill' as his gun fired only four bullets. When Piers Morgan argued that four bullets were enough to kill a person – namely Reeva Steenkamp – Henke shot back: 'You clearly do not have the facts'. He added: 'It's a no-brainer'. When asked what he believed did happen, Henke said: 'Oscar was full of fear. He will one day tell his own story. I can't speak for him.' However, he continued: 'He was forced to accept he is guilty and that he's a murderer, which is such a pathetic insult to the law in South Africa. He is hurt and broken. He believes he is guilty and it's not correct.' Oscar Pistorius – who shot and killed Reeva Steenkamp on 14 February 2013 – was convicted of culpable homicide in October 2014. This was later upgraded to murder in December 2015. He was handed a six-year prison sentence. However, the SCA increased his jail term to 13 years and five months following an unsuccessful appeal in November 2017. Like Oscar Pistorius's dad, Henke, his older brother Carl also does not believe he is guilty of murder. In 2023, Carl responded to The South African' s questions about Oscar's sentence and parole bid. He said, 'What is 'rehabilitation'? What do you mean by 'served his time'? Such fundamental questions with such complex answers. He continued: 'He [Oscar] was rehabilitated before he went in. He will spend his life serving a self-imposed sentence of guilt for a tragic but honest mistake because we, as a rainbow nation, have failed one another. 'If you're asking if his constitutional rights have been infringed upon, yes, absolutely.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
