Botha, the first officer on the scene of the Valentine's Day shooting, handed in his resignation Wednesday, Malila said.

CNN: Botha, former Pistorius detective, off police force

Mr. Malila said the charges had been dropped, but were referred to the divisional head to make a final decision.

WSJ: Lead Detective Replaced in Pistorius Murder Case

"We are not going into the reasons, " Malila said.

CNN: Botha, former Pistorius detective, off police force

Mr. Malila said the counts relate to an incident in 2011, when Mr. Botha and two other officers allegedly fired their weapons at a moving minibus in an attempt to stop the driver.

WSJ: Lead Detective Replaced in Pistorius Murder Case

Police spokesman Neville Malila said the department found out only on Wednesday that seven counts of attempted murder had been reinstated against chief investigating officer Hilton Botha, the same day he testified in the Oscar Pistorius case.

WSJ: Lead Detective Replaced in Pistorius Murder Case

Neville Malila said Thursday.

CNN: Botha, former Pistorius detective, off police force