BREAKING NEWS: State to appeal Pistorius sentence
“We respectfully submit that the sentence of six years imprisonment, in all the circumstances, is disproportionate to the crime of murder committed”.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is to challenge Oscar Pistorius’ six-year prison sentence for murder.
It said in a statement the paralympian’s sentence for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013 was “shockingly” lenient.
An application for leave to appeal against the sentence imposed by High Court Judge Thokozile Masipa would be filed on Thursday, the NPA said.
“We respectfully submit that the sentence of six years imprisonment, in all the circumstances, is disproportionate to the crime of murder committed, in casu, that is to say, shockingly too lenient, and has accordingly resulted in an injustice and has the potential to bring the administration of justice into disrepute.”
The NPA said it hoped the outcome would clarify the principles of sentencing, particularly in crime categories for which there were prescribed minimum penalties.
Pistorius was initially given a five-year sentence for culpable homicide, which was turned into a murder conviction by the Supreme Court of Appeal last year.
Masipa sentenced Pistorius to six years imprisonment for murder earlier this month.
Also read:
Oscar Pistorius released early
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update
