Oscar Pistorius cleared of the murder of Reeva Steenkamp.

Judge Masipa initially announced at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Thursday that the state prosecution did not prove Pistorius to be guilty of premeditated murder, the most serious charge against him in his trial for the killing of Ms Steenkamp on February 14 2013.

The lesser charge of common-law murder was subsequently ruled out.

However, the athlete could still face a maximum jail term of 15 years should he be convicted of culpable homicide - a verdict Judge Masipa labelled "competent" before the court was adjourned for lunch.

"The state clearly has not proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of premeditated murder," said the judge.

"There are just not enough facts to support such a finding.

"It follows that the accused's erroneous belief that his life was in danger excludes dolus [intent].

"The accused therefore cannot be found guilty of murder, dolus eventualis.

"That, however, is not the end of the matter, as culpable homicide is a competent verdict."

Pistorius was charged with the "wilful and intentional murder" of Ms Steenkamp after he shot his then-girlfriend dead at his home.

The 27-year-old denied the charge as he claimed that he mistook her for an intruder after hearing a noise in the bathroom.