WATCH: ‘Court not bound by public opinion’ – UJ law lecturer
JOBURG–Oscar Pistorius was transported to the Kgosi Mampuru II prison after being sentenced to six years in prison.
Former paralympian Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to six years in prison for the murder of his former girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The sentencing was handed down by Judge Thokozile Masipa on 5 July and took place at the High Court in Pretoria.
Judge Masipa said during her sentencing that while the crime that was committed was serious, long term imprisonment of 15 years will not serve justice. She added during her ruling that continuing the misconception that Pistorius had intentionally killed Steenkamp was something the court had a duty to correct, to prevent unjustified outrage from the public.
Masipa also said she had taken into account the effect on Steenkamp’s family. “The pain runs deep and the impact of the accused’s conduct on the family of the deceased has been devasting,” said Masipa.
Pistorius was transported directly to Kgosi Mampuru II prison after the sentencing in Pretoria. His lawyers said they would not be appealing.
Faculty of Law lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, Marius van Staden speaks on the sentencing:
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