Prosecutors to appeal Oscar Pistorius verdict and sentence

South Africa’s state prosecutors say they will appeal against the conviction and sentence handed to double amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius. They are unhappy with the five-year jail sentence that he was handed last Wednesday, and the culpable homicide offence which he was convicted for. National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Nathi Mncube said on his Twitter feed: “Oscar Pistorius judgement, NPA will be appealing both the conviction and sentence.” Mr Mncube said the next step was to file papers in court. Pistorius started serving his prison sentence on October 21 after a seven-month trial.

NPA will be appealing both the conviction and sentence. The appeal on conviction is based on the question of law.

NPA spokesman Nathi Mncube

A judge acquitted him of murder and found him guilty of a lesser charge of culpable homicide, or manslaughter, for shooting girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a toilet door in his home. As things stand, he is eligible for release after 10 months to 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. Known as Blade Runner because of his carbon-fibre artificial legs, Pistorius achieved global recognition at the London 2012 Olympics when he reached the semi-finals of the 400m against able-bodied athletes.

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