Bail hearing for Paralympic superstar Oscar Pistorius to enter 4 - WNCT | 9 On Your Side Greenville NC & Eastern NC News

Cameras snapped as track star and murder suspect Oscar Pistorius returned to court in South Africa, hoping to be freed on bail.

Defense lawyers say a new twist in the case may help that happen.

Police announced they are replacing the chief detective investigating the shooting death of the runner's girlfriend, because he himself is facing seven charges of attempted murder.

Hilton Botha is accused of being drunk in a government vehicle when he allegedly opened fire on a minivan full of passengers in 2011.

The charges were withdrawn, but later re-instated, raising questions about the detective's credibility in court and on the street.

Pistorius' defense lawyers say Botha botched the investigation into Reeva Steenkamp's death.

They blame him for contaminating the crime scene and changing his story about what happened.

Prosecutors insist the sprinter known as the blade runner for his prosthetic racing legs intended to kill his girlfriend when he pumped four bullets through his bathroom door.

Pistorius says he thought she an intruder.

Police admitted they have no evidence contradicting the athlete's claim; the shooting was an accident.

Defense lawyers say the prosecution's case is falling apart and expect a judge will free Pistorius until he goes on trial.

The bail hearing enters a fourth day tomorrow. The murder trial is likely still months away.