Pistorius had 'good knowledge' of rules about gun use, 'dealing with intruders', says gun supplier

A firearm specialist, who also supplied guns to Oscar Pistorius, has testified in the trial of the murder of Reeva Steenkamp that the Paralympian had 'good knowledge' of the rules governing gun use and dealing with intruders.

Sean Patrick Rens, who is involved in firearms assessment for licenses, claimed to have met Pistorius in 2012 through a mutual friend, weeks before the athlete made history by becoming the first Paralympian to compete in the able-bodied Olympics at London 2012.

According to the BBC, Pistorius had bought a gun from Rens, a Smith and Wesson 500 and then ordered six more guns from him, although the order was cancelled a month after Steenkamp was killed.

Rens read out a competency questionnaire and examination that Pistorius had completed before he could be issued with a firearm, and revealed that the Blade Runner scored top marks in these tests, which included questions about the rules on when one is legally allowed to shoot intruders.

According to Rens, Pistorius also said that one could discharge a firearm if one feared for one's life.

Rens also said Pistorius drew his gun and went into 'combat mode' months before the killing after hearing a strange noise at his home in Pretoria, adding that the double amputee runner had 'a great love and enthusiasm' for guns.