Spare a thought for the witnesses in the Pistorius murder trial. In coming forward to do their civic duty, they must face not only sustained interrogation by some of South Africa’s fiercest lawyers, but also the stress of doing so while being watched or heard by an international audience. If you’re Michelle Burger’s husband Charl Johnson, you’re now also looking at having to change your cellphone number. It’s hardly an enviable prospect – but they still have it luckier than many. By REBECCA DAVIS.

Should Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane have attended the morning session of day three of the Oscar Pistorius murder trial? On the one hand, it is the biggest thing happening in her province at the moment from a news perspective. She also made it clear to journalists that she was present not just in her capacity as Gauteng Premier but also as a member of the ANC Women’s League.

On the other hand, Mokonyane inevitably attracted criticism on social media for not having attended other, less high-profile murder trials involving female victims, and for not having demonstrated the same support which she gave to the family of Reeva Steenkamp to the family of other victims of crime,…