PRETORIA--UK PR veteran Stuart Higgins has flown out to South Africa to support Oscar Pistorius' fight against a murder charge, according to media reports in the country.

South Africa's Sunday Times reports that Higgins is providing media relations support for Pistorius. The paralympian remains in custody after his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead on Valentine's Day.

A former editor of the Sun, Higgins set up Stuart Higgins Communications (SHC) in 1999, before selling the firm to Chime Communications subsidiary Fast Track in 2007. SHC focuses on the worlds of sport and entertainment, having worked for such clients as Chelsea FC, Manchester United and Andy Murray.

Higgins previously worked for Pistorius during the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Should a murder suspect hire PR counsel?