There's been a dramatic twist in the Oscar Pistorius murder inquiry on day three of the Christian Olympic athlete's bail trial.
South African police have replaced Lead Detective Hilton Botha as head of the Pistorius case after it emerged he's facing attempted murder charges.
The police officer who will take over as lead investigator is one of the force's most senior detectives, Lieutenant General Vinesh Moonoo. Announcing the decision, National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega said the police have also now closed the bail hearing process and are moving on to the next stage. The axed lead detective has been accused of firing shots while trying to stop a minibus in an incident in 2011.
South African Police Spokesman Brigadier Neville Malila said: "The case was withdrawn against him in 2012, and it was sent to the office of the Directorate for Public Prosecution for final decision and late yesterday afternoon the station commander informed us that this decision was now made."
The prosecution claim to have been unaware of the charges against the detective up until Tuesday afternoon.
The development followed a fierce day in court for Mr Botha after he gave a confused testimony, making a number of mistakes. He was accused of contaminating the crime scene by not wearing protective shoe covers and losing vital evidence. Meanwhile, the defence and prosecution in Oscar Pistorius's bail hearing began to sum up their cases on Thursday with defence lawyer Barry Roux able to finish his, but Gerrie Nel, for the prosecution, will continue tomorrow.
According to the reports from the court in Pretoria, defence lawyer Barry Roux said that the killing of Reeva Steenkamp should not be considered "schedule six" (premeditated murder).
Meanwhile, as the athlete awaits the outcome of his murder bail hearing Nike has announced it has suspended its contract with him.
The Paralympic sprinter denies the pre-meditated murder of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
The bail hearing will continue on Friday at 9am GMT.