The family of South African paralympic star Oscar Pristorius has spoken out against the murder charges facing him. After visiting the sports icon in prison, with his legal team, Pistorius's uncle has told journalists in Pretoria there's "no substance" to the allegations that he committed pre-meditated murder.

Oscar Pistorius's family are sticking by him. Leaving the Pretoria police station where the falling star has been remanded in custody, his uncle spoke out - the first public statement since last week's shooting First - with condolences to the family.

Oscar Pistorius's uncle Anthony Pistorius said, "As you can imagine our entire family is devastated, we are in a state of total shock - firstly about the tragic death of Reeva who we had all got to know well and care for deeply over the last few months. Oscar, as you can imagine, is also numb with shock and grief and total pain."

And then - a strong denial of the charges against his nephew.

Anthony Pistorius said, "After consulting with our legal representatives we deeply regret the allegations of premeditated murder. We have no doubt there is no substance for the allegations and that the State's own case, including its own forensic evidence, strongly refutes any possibility of a premeditated murder."

New details are emerging in the weekend papers - reports that Mr. Pistorius was seen by witnesses carrying Reeva Steenkamp down the stairs at his home - apparently still alive. Witnesses reportedly he tried desperately to resusitate her. Meanwhile, the country's national broadcaster has gone ahead with the airing of a reality TV show - featuring the murdered model. One of her fellow contestants has defended the move.

Katleho Molai, contestant of Tropika Island of Treasure, said, "As far as I know, Tropika did get permission from her family, they said it was fine for them to air it. That's what Reeva would have wanted. When we watched the first episode last week, she was so excited, she had a lot of fun watching it with us. And she couldn't wait to watch the 10 episodes, so I don't see why we shouldn't screen it. It's what she would have wanted. I think it would be silly not to, because then you're kind of depriving people of seeing who Reeva really was."

An autopsy has now been completed on Miss Steenkamp's body - which will now be flown to her home town for a memorial service on Tuesday.