Oscar Pistorius: Reeva Steenkamp Remembered

In the days leading up to her death, Reeva Steenkamp's excitement about Valentine's Day was clear.

"What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow??? #getexcited," the girlfriend of South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius tweeted.

Miss Steenkamp then received a series of replies, one of which was from a mother who said her children would be making a card for their father.

She responded: "That sounds amazing! Wow that's what it's all about! It should be a day of love for everyone :) may it be blessed."

Miss Steenkamp said Pistorius - her boyfriend since November - had "impeccable" taste.

"His gifts are always thoughtful," she was quoted as saying on the social pages of last weekend's Sunday Independent.

But February 14 ended up going terribly wrong for the 30-year-old when she was shot dead in Pistorius' home.

Now Twitter and other social media are flooded with tributes to the model and law graduate.

Former Miss South Africa Melinda Bam said: "Heartbroken for #ReevaSteenkamp's family & for #OscarPistorius. This highlights how unsafe most South Africans feel because of crime#RIPReeva."

Sammy Lambrechts said: "A woman with rare beauty ... A classy and sophisticated young socialite with a heart of gold. A true lady."

On Facebook, her cousin Deon Steenkamp said: "RIP cuz this is tragic we will always remember you for your stuning smile brighting up everyone world."

Miss Steenkamp's publicist Sarit Tomlinson described her as "the sweetest human being" and "a talented and bright young girl".

She told Sky News that the couple had a "healthy, fabulous relationship".

Miss Steenkamp had most recently been a celebrity contestant on South African reality TV show Tropika Island Of Treasure 5 .

The first episode of the show, which was filmed in Jamaica, was due to air this weekend.

On the show's website, a tribute to Miss Steenkamp said: "We are deeply saddened and extend our condolences to Reeva's family and friends."

The Cape Town-born model grew up in Port Elizabeth, where she studied law, but later moved to Johannesburg after signing a deal with cosmetics company Avon.

She went on to model for FHM and feature in various national and international advertising campaigns.

Miss Steenkamp - who spoke out on Twitter against rape and abuse of women - described herself as someone who has a "passion for cars and cooking and prefers to read a book on her off days and spend quality time with friends and family".

She was from a family of horse trainers, who are all "shocked" and "devastated" by the news, Miss Steenkamp's publicist said.

Her former headmaster Greg Stokell told the South African Press Association that Miss Steenkamp was popular and respected by all.

"She was a vibrant, friendly, diligent, and motivated student who was popular with and respected by staff and peers alike," he said.

"The St Dominic's Priory school community in Port Elizabeth is both shocked and saddened by Reeva Steenkamp's sudden and tragic death."