Oscar's character under scrutiny

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State witness Kevin Lerena has told the court that Oscar Pistorius asked his friend to cover for him when a gun allegedly went off under the table at Tasha’s restaurant in Melrose Arch in January 2013. eNCA

PRETORIA - Day Three of the Oscar Pistorius murder trial has seen the Paralympian's credibility called into question

The issue of credibility centres around an incident at Tashas restaurant at Melrose Arch, north of Johannesburg.

State witness Kevin Lerena testified about the January 2013 incident, where Pistorius allegedly fired a gun.

According to Lerena's testimony, Pistorius asked one of his friends who'd been sitting with him to own up to firing the weapon.

“A shot went off in the restaurant and then there was complete silence,” Lerena said.

A fragment from the tiles beneath the table had “grazed” Lerena’s foot, he told the court.

Lerena said he was shocked by the incident and didn’t understand what had happened. After going to bathroom to clean up, he heard an exchange between Pistorius and Fresco.

“He asked Darren Fresco to take the blame,” he told the court. Lerena said he could not remember the exact wording of the exchange.

It was clear from his testimony that Pistorius fired the bullet and that he had wanted Fresco to take the blame to avoid media coverage.

Pistorius apologised to those around the table for the shooting.

State Prosecutor Gerrie Nel wrapped up the evidence quickly. Barry Roux, of the defence, asked for an adjournment as he had not anticipated that Lerena would testify.

Roux joked that he was not prepared to cross-examine “a boxer”.

Lerena’s appearance on the stand followed the brief evidence and cross-examination of Charl Johnson, who is married to another witness Michelle Burger.