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Prosecutors in South Africa to appeal against Oscar Pistorius conviction and sentence

South Africa's state prosecutors say they will appeal against the conviction and sentence handed ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

13.50 27 Oct 2014


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Prosecutors in South Africa to...

Prosecutors in South Africa to appeal against Oscar Pistorius conviction and sentence

Newstalk
Newstalk

13.50 27 Oct 2014


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South Africa's state prosecutors say they will appeal against the conviction and sentence handed to Oscar Pistorius.

They say they are not happy with the five-year jail sentence that he was handed last Wednesday, or the culpable homicide offence which he was convicted for.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Nathi Mncube said on his Twitter feed: 

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Mr Mncube said the next step was to file papers in court.

South African attorney Martin Hood in Johannesburg explains what happens next:

Pistorius started serving his prison sentence on October 21 after a seven month trial.

Judge Thokozile Masipa acquitted him of murder and found him guilty of a lesser charge of culpable homicide, for shooting girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a toilet door in his home.

As things stand, the Olympic runner is eligible for release after 10 months so he can complete his sentence under house arrest.

Sentencing options available to the judge in a culpable homicide case included up to 15 years in jail, a suspended sentence, a correctional supervision or fine.

Pistorius' legal team argued during the trial that he mistook Ms Steenkamp for an intruder and believed they were both in danger.

During the trial, state prosecutor Gerrie Nel had argued that only 10 years' imprisonment would satisfy the public.

He said that any lesser sentence could result in a widespread loss of faith in the justice system.

Known as Blade Runner because of his carbon-fibre prosthetics, Pistorius achieved global recognition at the London 2012 Olympics when he reached the semi-finals of the 400m against able-bodied athletes.

Mr Mncude had previously refused to be drawn over whether prosecutors would appeal, saying only that: "The matter is under serious consideration and the announcement will be made in due course."


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