The trial of South African "Blade Runner" Oscar Pistorius began on Monday in Pretoria.<br/> <br />The 27-year-old sports icon is accused of shooting dead his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine's Day last year.<br/> <br />Pistorius, who was born without legs but ran in the Olympics on carbon-fiber "blades", says the shooting was a tragic accident.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) PROSECUTOR, GERRIE NEL, SAYING:<br/> <br />"On or about 14 February 2013, and at or near 286 Bushwillow Street Silverwoods, Country Estate Silverlakes, in the district of Pretoria the accused did unlawfully and intentionally kill a person, to wit, Reeva Steenkamp. "<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) JUDGE THOKOZILE MASIPA, SAYING:<br/> <br />"How do you plead?"<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) ACCUSED, OSCAR PISTORIUS, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Not guilty, my lady."<br/> <br />If convicted, the popular Olympian faces a life sentence.<br/> <br />His trial is expected to last at least three weeks but with over 100 witnesses on both sides it could last much
