Investigator's removal

The decision comes a day after the South African Police Service moved to remove Botha from the case.

Botha, a 22-year detective, is accused of seven counts of attempted murder after allegedly chasing and firing on a minibus full of people while drunk, according to officials.

A spokeswoman for South Africa's prosecution service said the accusations would be little more than a "speed bump" in the case.

Friend reacts

Model Vanessa Haywood, a South African model who is friends with Pistorius, said the murder charge doesn't fit with the kind-spirited man she knows. And she said she can relate to Pistorius' story of being filled with terror at the thought of an intruder.

"It's not the safest place in the world," she said of crime-ridden South Africa, where murder and carjacking cases are common. "My own home is like a prison. His version of events isn't as far-fetched as people think it is."

'Blade Runner'

Pistorius earned the nickname "Blade Runner" as he competed on special carbon fiber blades in place of more traditional prosthetic limbs. He was born missing bones in his lower legs, and doctors amputated his legs below the knees when he was 11 months old.

Pistorius attained fame as a symbol of triumph over adversity when won a challenge to compete in the London Olympics. While he failed to medal there, he smashed a record to win the men's 400-meter race in the Paralympic Games a few weeks later.

He is considered a national hero in South Africa.

Pistorius put his career on hold after his arrest, and sponsors Nike and Oakley suspended their contracts with him.

His coach said Friday before the bail decision that, should he be let out on bail, the runner would resume training.