Judge Dunstan Mlambo said: "The applicants ... are permitted to set up equipment in accordance to specifications ... to obtain a video and audio recording of the permitted portions."

He slso said he hopes televising the trial will prove that the rich and famous don't get treated any differently:The trial begins on Monday and is set to hear from more than 100 witnesses.

The 26-year-old double amputee is accused of killing Ms Steenkamp in a shooting incident at Pistorius' home in Pretoria, South Africa, last February.

Pistorius, who is known as the Blade Runner, denies he committed murder and says he shot the model and reality TV star by mistake, thinking she was an intruder.

The 29-year-old was found lying on the bathroom floor with three gunshot wounds.

On the first anniversary of her death, the world-famous athlete said he was "consumed with sorrow" over what happened.

The mandatory sentence for someone convicted of premeditated murder in the country is life with a minimum of 25 years in prison.

The case will be heard at Pretoria's High Court. The South African legal system does not have trials by a jury, so a judge will preside over proceedings and ultimately pronounce Pistorius innocent or guilty.

Pistorius also faces charges of illegal possession of ammunition and two additional gun-related charges.

He has remained free on bail and has been able to compete before the court case. However, Pistorius has turned down invitations to take part in major international athletics events.