Nicknamed "the blade runner", the Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius has left the Pretoria Magistrate's Court in South Africa where he was formally indicted for murder and illegal possession of ammunition. The indictment comes after a month's long investigation into his girlfriend's death earlier this year.

Prosecutors say they will maintain the initial charge against the 26-year-old double-amputee athlete for shooting his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp to death on Valentine's Day. Pistorius insisted the shooting was an accident, mistaking Steenkamp for an intruder. After today's hearing, the case now goes to the Pretoria High Court, where Pistorius will stand trail, which is expected to begin in March next year. 

Paralympic running star Oscar Pistorius (C) arrives outside the magistrates court in Pretoria, South Africa, on Aug.19, 2013. Pistorius was back in court Monday morning to hear murder charges against him. The trial date of murder-accused paralympian Oscar Pistorius has been set for March 3, 2014, Prosecutor Gerrie Nel announced here on Monday. (Xinhua/Twhene Phill)