Steenkamp's parents composed as Pistorius found not guilty of murder

The parents of Reeva Steenkamp watched from metres away as Oscar Pistorius was found not guilty of murdering their daughter.

From the front of the courtroom in Pretoria, parents Barry and June Steenkamp remained composed as Judge Thokozile Matilda Masipa cleared Pistorius of two charges of murder.

It was a stark contrast to a sobbing Pistorius, who was emotional and visibly shaken through most of the proceedings.

Steenkamp's parents have been a fixture at the high profile murder trial since their daughter was shot dead on Valentine's Day last year.

The mother travelled from her home in Port Elizabeth, a flight several hours away, to sit through hours of graphic evidence detailing her daughter's final moments.

At the start of the trial, she reportedly told journalists that her role was to ensure Pistorius felt "answerable" to her, Britain's Telegraph newspaper reports.

"My presence unnerves him, I'm sure of it," she was quoted as saying.

Mrs Steenkamp said it was important to stay composed and "strong" for her daughter — although both parents were reportedly visibly upset as they left the court yesterday.

"The whole world is watching you and you don't want people to see you when you're in pain," she said. "It's hard for me to do it, but I'm representing my child."

The Telegraph reports that neither Barry nor June Steenkamp had met Pistorius when he and Reeva were romantically involved — partly because their daughter worked in Johannesburg and partly because Pistorius travelled frequently.

Both parents have spoken publicly of their regret in failing to intervene in the tumultuous relationship.

"From the day she was born we protected her, but this we could not protect her from," Mrs Steenkamp said.

Pistorius will learn his fate today when Judge Masipa rules on a charge of culpable homicide and two firearm offences.