Closing arguments in Pistorius murder trial to begin

Months of courtroom evidence will come to an end today as the closing arguments in the murder trial of athlete Oscar Pistorius, 27, are made.

Beginning today and continuing tomorrow, both sides will summarize their versions of the shooting to Thokozile Masipa, judge who will determine the fate of the double-amputee Olympic runner.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel will be the first to make concluding comments. The defence is due to follow on Friday.

Pistorius denies murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp after shooting her through a closed bathroom door, in February of last year. He says he mistook her for an intruder, but the prosecution says he deliberately shot her after a row.

The runner faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted of premeditated murder, and also would be sent to prison for years if guilty of murder without premeditation or culpable homicide. He faces three separate firearm charges, and pleaded not guilty to all four counts.