Prosecutor Gerrie Nel Tuesday, citing an expert’s testimony that Oscar Pistorius has long suffered from severe anxiety issues, requested the runner be placed under psychiatric evaluation for 30 days of extensive testing.

Nel’s surprising request in South Africa's Pretoria court — which would undoubtedly add months to a trial that has already lasted longer than predicted — is a necessary step, the prosecutor argued, saying the court must "err on the side of caution” if Pistorius’ immediate mental health is tied to his fatal shooting of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp last year.

Pistorius' attorney Barry Roux, calling Nel’s interpretation of Monday’s testimony from forensic psychiatrist Dr. Meryl Vorster “unfortunate,” fought against the process.

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