While the minimum sentence was 15 years for the charge, the judge said that Pistorius is a “good candidate for rehabilitation” and shouldn’t be in prison any longer than necessary.
Advertisement
A South African judge sentenced former Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius to six years in prison Wednesday, imposing punishment for the 2013 killing of Reeva Steenkamp, Pistorius’ girlfriend who was shot through a bathroom door in his house. Judge Thokozile Masipa announced that Pistorius will serve a sentence of six years in prison. “I think all in all it is fair, given that Oscar Pistorius has already served 12 months”.
After delivering the verdict, the judge ordered a recess to give lawyers on both teams time to decide if they want to appeal.
The lawyer for Pistorius later said he would not appeal against the sentence. Many locals have expressed shock and dissatisfaction saying such a short sentence which is less than half the prescribed 15-year minimum for murder there sends the wrong message to possible offenders.
Ms Steenkamp’s parents, Barry and June, sat quietly on the other side of the packed courtroom.
Department of Correctional Services spokesman Manelisi Wolela said Pistorius would be taken to jail immediately after sentencing.
Pistorius maintained he killed the 29-year-old model and reality TV star after he mistook her for an intruder, but the prosecution called it a deliberate act after the two had an argument.
He was freed from prison last October after serving one year of a five-year term for culpable homicide – the equivalent of manslaughter.
Judge Masipa’s initial conviction was overturned last December at a South African appeals court.
“The judgment is an insult to women”.
He became the first Paralympian to compete against able-bodied athletes at the 2012 London Olympics. She said he is remorseful and could likely be rehabilitated.
Outside court, legal experts said the sentence was too little. “No further comment. They will keep a dignified silence”, said Dup de Bruyn, a Steenkamp family representative.
“We are very disappointed… from five years that we fought against, and now it is six, what is that?”
Advertisement
A Steenkamp family representative did not take issue with the sentence: “The family has said it before they wanted the law to run its course”.
