PRETORIA (AFP) – South African prosecutors will argue that sprinter Oscar Pistorius is guilty of premeditated murder in the death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, a charge which could carry a life sentence.

Magistrate Desmond Nair outlined the prosecutors’ case as he announced the Pistorius’s bail hearing would be delayed until Tuesday to allow the defence more time to prepare.

South African police had Thursday charged Olympic amputee sprint star Oscar Pistorius with the Valentine’s Day murder of his model girlfriend, who was shot four times with a gun registered to the popular athlete.

Twenty-six-year-old Pistorius — known globally as “Blade Runner” because of his carbon fibre prostheses — spent the night in jail before appearing in court early Friday to face murder charges.

The sprinter became an international celebrity during last year’s London Olympics, when he became the first double-amputee to compete in a Summer Games.

South Africa’s Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius (C) leaves the Boshkop police station on February 14, 2013 in Pretoria East, to be taken into police custody after allegedly shooting dead his model girlfriend having mistaken her for an intruder at his upscale home. AFP PHOTO

Police were called to Pistorius’s upscale Pretoria around 4:00 am by neighbours who heard gunshots inside the gated community.

Police spokeswoman Denise Beukes said the 9mm pistol used in the shooting was registered to Pistorius, who authorities have said is the only suspect in the case and who has been denied bail.

His arrest has rocked South Africa, where he had been considered a hero.

“Obviously we are shocked,” his father Henke Pistorius told AFP. “He is with the police and the matter is in the hands of the authorities.”

Steenkamp, once a FHM cover girl, was described as “the kindest, sweetest human being; an angel on earth,” by Sarit Tomlins of her management agency.