Ex-lead detective in Oscar Pistorius murder trial quits police force after own attempted murder revelation

'Personal' reasons cited for Hilton Botha's retirement from SAPS

Botha faces attempted murder charges in a case that alleges that he fired on a vehicle in an attempt to stop it, putting seven lives in danger (AP)

The former lead detective in the investigation into the alleged murder of Oscar Pistorius's girlfriend by the Paralympic star has quit the South African Police Service.

Hilton Botha gave his notice with immediate effect yesterday, according to Brigadier Neville Malila.

"The reasons given are between himself and the organisation. It is a personal decision ultimately," Brigadier Malila said.

Botha was removed from the case against the double-amputee after it emerged that he was facing his own attempted murder charges in a case that alleges that he fired on a vehicle in an attempt to stop it, putting seven lives in danger.

Botha faced criticism that he had made several procedural errors in his role as the lead investigator after Pistorius shot and killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on 14 February.