Pistorius detective pulled off the case

As South African paralympian Oscar Pistorius returned to court for a third day of his bail hearing on murder charges--- a bombshell new development in his case:

Lead detective, Hilton Botha, was removed from the case Thursday after the revelation that he himself is facing seven counts of attempted murder.

South African police commissioner Riah Phiyega says Botha will be replaced by a team of detectives, as the department positions itself for a long investigation.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSIONER, RIAH PHIYEGA, SAYING:

"We are putting our best foot forward, putting our team of experienced detectives, under the leadership of our topmost detective, to investigate this matter going forward."

Detective Botha allegedly fired on a minibus full of passengers two years ago while pursuing another murder suspect. He had taken the stand earlier this week and seemed to bungle his testimony against Pistorius.

The double-amputee athlete is accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp, at his home in Pretoria.

With so much attention focused on the track star's case, reporters pressed police to explain why Botha had been assigned to investigate in the first place.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSIONER, RIAH PHIYEGA, SAYING:

"The person who investigated this matter is highly experienced, 22 years of experience. it does not take away that experience from him."

A decision on Pistorius' bail application is expected Friday.