Cop facing attempted murder charges removed from Pistorius case

Police detective Hilton Botha will no longer be the lead investigator in a murder case involving Oscar Pistorius, National Commissioner Riah Phieyega said on Thursday.

This follows revelations that he faces seven charges of attempted murder.

Earlier Brigadier Neville Malila said detective Botha was first charged back in 2009 but the charges were then provisionally withdrawn. The matter was then referred to the director of public prosecutions (DPP).

"It was only yesterday [Wednesday] that we were informed by the DPP that he is being charged," he said.

Malila said Botha allegedly fired shots at a combi as he tried to stop it. The combi had seven occupants in it.

Botha is the investigating officer in the murder of Reeva Steenkamp, who was allegedly killed by paralympian Pistorius on Valentines Day.

He has already testified against Pistorius in a bid for the court not to grant him bail.

Phieyega said Lt Gen Vinesh Moonoo would take over the case.