The Oscar Pistorius trial has been adjourned until Monday. The prosecution say they need time to consult witnesses before closing their case next week.

Earlier a police ballistics expert revealed how Reeva Steenkamp was standing up in a toilet cubicle when she was hit in the right hip by a bullet fired by her boyfriend Oscar Pistorius.

Captain Christiaan Mangena was giving evidence on day 13 of the Paralympian's murder trial. The initial bullet was the first of four fired by the double-amputee athlete.

Captain Mangena told the court in Pretoria that Ms. Steenkamp fell back onto a magazine holder in the toilet after being hit by the first bullet.

The second bullet that was fired through the wooden door missed, he said. However Ms. Steenkamp was hit by the third and fourth bullets - in the arm and the head.

Mr. Mangena said she was crossing both hands over her head to protect herself when the third and fourth bullets struck. The bullet went through Ms. Steenkamp's left hand before penetrating her skull.

The policeman said he could not determine the order of the last two shots.

The trial of Oscar Pistorius who denies murdering his girlfriend last year is hearing more evidence from the ballistics expert today.

The South African Police captain told the court yesterday he used laser technology to study what happened to the bullets which went through the bathroom door.

He says there were four shots and describes what happened to Reeva Steenkamp when the first one was fired.

Shain Germaner of The Star newspaper in South Africa is at the courthouse. He spoke with the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk about today's evidence.

The athlete denies the charge of murder at his trial in Pretoria.