Pistorius has said he killed Steenkamp by accident after mistaking her for an intruder in the early hours of February 14, 2013. He faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted of premeditated murder.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel examined the details of the alarm system at Pistorius' house, questioning why the athlete would believe an intruder had broken into his home when he had extensive security measures, including interior and exterior sensors.
The prosecutor said Pistorius had not mentioned immediately after the shooting that he had fears that building contractors had removed some of the security beacons, specifically near the bathroom window where he allegedly thought an intruder may have gained access on the night he killed Steenkamp.
Querying why Pistorius had not mentioned those fears earlier, Nel said Pistorius was trying to build a story to explain his fears of an intruder and therefore a mistaken shooting.
Pistorius also said he was struggling to give clear testimony because he was tired, prompting the judge to ask him if he was too tired to proceed with a tough cross-examination from the chief prosecutor.
Pistorius was responding to a question from Nel, who pointed to a lack of clarity in the double-amputee runner's testimony about whether he turned off the alarm inside his home on the night of February 14, 2013.
Pistorius said he "must have" turned off the alarm, which Nel described as a vague response.
"I don't need time," the Olympic athlete said. "I am tired. It's not going to change." Nel responded: "You're trying to cover up for lies and I'm not convinced."
Judge Thokozile Masipa interjected, asking Pistorius if he was too tired to proceed. Pistorius replied that he was able to go on.
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