AFP file photo.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- The family of Reeva Steenkamp said Tuesday, February 26, they have hired an attorney amid a media frenzy over her death linked to her boyfriend, the South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius.

In a statement the family said they had appointed attorney Mike Venter and advocate Dup de Bruyn "to look after and protect our interests."

"We fully understand the intense media interest. However this is a very sad and traumatic time for us," the family said.

"For the time being there will be no interviews or discussions with the media whatsoever. We humbly request the media to respect our privacy."

The Port Elizabeth based family have spoken frequently and emotionally through Reeva Steenkamp's uncle Michael Steenkamp, while refusing to pass judgement on the case.

Pistorius is charged with the premeditated murder of Steenkamp, 29, who was shot dead at his house in an upscale high security housing estate east of the capital Pretoria on Valentine's Day.

Pistorius says he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder in the dead of night and did not intend to kill her.

He was released on bail last week and is due back in court on June 4. - Rappler.com