Pistorius denies murdering girlfriend ‘in the strongest terms’

Olympic star Oscar Pistorius broke down in tears in the dock as he was charged with the Valentine's Day murder of his model girlfriend, a charge he denied "in the strongest terms".

The 26-year-old South African Paralympian gold medallist sobbed as Pretoria magistrate Desmond Nair announced a single charge of killing his lover, blonde covergirl Reeva Steenkamp.

The double amputee was an inspirational hero of last year's London Olympics, but on Friday he sat hunched and sobbing as the court heard that prosecutors will argue the murder was premeditated, meaning he could face a life sentence, AFP reports.

He was to remain in custody after a bail hearing was delayed until Tuesday to allow the defence more time to prepare.

The murder charge brought against Pistorius, whose fairytale story attracted multi-million dollar investment from various worldwide brands, has plunged his army of sponsors into turmoil.

In a statement issued by Pistorius's family and management company after the court appearance, the fallen star said "the alleged murder is disputed in the strongest terms."

He also offered his condolences to those close to his former lover.

"Our thoughts and prayers today should be for Reeva and her family -- regardless of the circumstances of this terrible, terrible tragedy."

Steenkamp, 29, was shot four times at Pistorius's upmarket Pretoria home in the early hours of Thursday.