Pretoria- Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced for six years in jail for murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
The praised paralympic athlete, who lost his legs when he only was 11 months old, was taken to Khosi Mampuru jail shortly after he was sentenced for murder in the Northern Gauteng High Court. Judge Tokozile Masipa said “Pistorius must be punished for the murder on the model Reeva Steenkamp.”
The 29-year-old was found guilty for shooting Steenkamp in the early morning hours on the 14th of February 2013. Ironically, the crime happened on Valentine’s day. He admitted that he shot Steenkamp, but claimed that he misjudged her for a burglar. The accused fired four shots through the bathroom door. Today, Masipa recalled testimony stating that Pistorius arranged for the victim to be taken to hospital after the shooting.
According to testimony delivered during the trial, Pistorius was exposed to unsettling images during his childhood years, which may have influenced his behaviour. He was quoted saying “my mother always slept with a gun under her pillow.” Pistorius has received professional treatment and rehabilitation.
Outside the court, supporters of Pistorius pleaded that Pistorius’s freedom should be given back to him.
The Steenkamp’s said that Pistorius must pay for his crime.
* By: Ilahn Ungerer.
