Global athletics star Oscar Pistorius back in court, though not for long.

On Tuesday a South African judge postponed his murder trial until August 19 after the defence asked for more time to prepare.

Pistorius has admitted to shooting dead his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine's Day, but says he was acting in self-defence against what he thought was an intruder.

Prosecutors accuse him of premeditated murder for firing four shots through the bathroom door, hitting Steenkamp in the head, hip and arm.

Seen here talking to his sister, Pistorius has mostly kept out of the public eye since he secured bail.

The double amputee athlete, nicknamed "Blade Runner", was one of the stars of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics in London.

His arrest and subsequent murder charge shocked millions around the world, especially in South Africa were his hero status had transcended racial divides.