17 Feb 2013

Slain woman featured in Sth African TV show

9:06 am on 17 February 2013

A TV channel in South Africa has defended its decision to broadcast a reality show featuring Reeva Steenkamp, the girlfriend of athlete Oscar Pistorius, who is accused of her murder.

Producer Samantha Moon said the decision was taken after consulting the family.

Tropika Island of Treasure was broadcast on Saturday night. It was made on location in Jamaica, with several personalities competing for a prize of one million rand ($US113,500.

Ms Steenkamp, 29, was seen talking at the start of the programme about her appearance, shortly before she left Jamaica to return home:

"The way that you go out and make your exit is so important. You have either made an impact in a positive way or a negative way."

Ms Moon said the decision to air the programme had nothing to do with ratings.

The BBC reports the audience was expected to be far higher than the 2.5 - 3 million who usually watch the show, now in its fifth season.

Pistorius, 29, is in custody at a police station awaiting a bail hearing on Tuesday. He wept in court on Friday when prosecutors sought a charge of premeditated murder.

Police were called to his home early on Thursday, where a woman had four gunshot wounds to the head and upper body. She died at the scene.

The BBC reports South Africa has one of the highest rates of crime in the world and many residents have weapons. Gun ownership is strictly regulated and it is not easy to obtain a licence.