A South African judge has cleared bladerunner Oscar Pistorius of all murder charges.

SOUNDBITE: Judge Thokozile Masipa saying:

"The state has clearly not proved, beyond reasonable doubt, that the accused is guilty of pre-meditated murder. There are just not enough facts to support such a finding."

An emotional Pistorius wiped away tears as the verdict was read.

Prosecutors argued that Pistorius killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp after a heated argument on Valentine's Day.

Pistorius said the shooting was a horrible accident and that he mistook his girlfriend for an intruder.

Judge Thokozile Masipa said the state had not proven their case beyond a shadow of a doubt.

She was critical of Pistorius, describing him as an evasive witness.

SOUNDBITE: Judge Thokozile Masipa saying:

"The accused was clearly not candid with the court when he said he had no intention to shoot at anyone as he had a loaded firearm in his hand ready to shoot."