Pistorius fanatics melt down over verdict

Supporters of South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius have expressed vindication at the fact that he won't be found guilty of premeditated murder.

While we are yet to know whether Pistorius will be convicted of a lesser charge of culpable homicide, the sprinter's supporters are claiming a victory.

The Steenkamp's now know for sure that Oscar did not intend to harm their child, only to protect her. That must be some comfort to them.

— Heather Malcherczyk (@HeatherMalch) September 11, 2014

The mostly female fans call themselves "Pisotorians", a term that emerged after after the photogenic athlete was initially charged over Steenkamp's fatal shooting.

They support Pistorius and believe that he shot Steenkamp accidentally. While some Pistorians supporters have expressed their sympathy for Steenkamp's family, others have been less charitable.

To all the people who've been saying we're crazy for the last year and a half. . We await your apologies :-D

— mandy20 (@mandeee20) September 11, 2014

In April last year, Pistorius' family criticised his online supporters for disprecting Steenkamp's memory and cause her family pain.

It's not unusual for men charged with or convicted of violent crimes to receive love letters from female admirers – US serial killer Ted Bundy reportedly got hundreds of letters while he was in prison, and tributes and outpourings of love even flowed for Austrian man Josef Frizl, who imprisoned and raped his daughter over a 24-year period.

Author: Lachlan Williams. Approving editor: Sam Downing.