A South Africa judge has ruled that television stations can broadcast parts of Oscar Pistorius' murder trial live, but with restrictions on witness testimonies.

Gauteng High Court Judge Dunstan Mlambo ruled that South African media houses will be allowed to install three remote controlled cameras in court for the Olympic athlete's trial starting next week to capture images that likely will be seen by millions around the world.

Pistorius' defence lawyers had opposed any of the trial being broadcast saying it would harm his chances of a fair trial.

Mlambo said some witnesses could object to their specific testimony being shown on TV. There will also be restrictions on broadcasting confidential discussions between Pistorius and his lawyers.

The judge will allow two mounted cameras to take photographs inside court.