The Pistorius family gathered the media outside the Tribeca Restaurant, a block from the North Gauteng High Court, to express their stance after their nephew and brother, Oscar Pistorius was driven to the Kgosi Mampuru Prison to begin his five-year sentence.

Uncle Arnold Pistorius said the case has been incredibly hard for their family, Oscar and the Steenkamps. “It has been a horrid 20 months and we are emotionally drained and exhausted. The case that was set down for three weeks originally, has been dragged out for seven months. In fact, for 20 months, since the bail application,” he told the media.

Arnold Pistorius said Oscar has embraced the sentencing, as he sees it as an opportunity to serve the community. “In addition, as the family we are appealing to the media to give us some privacy moving forward,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority said they are satisfied with the sentencing, as they had argued for a custodial sentence. “We are satisfied that they have done an excellent job and that he will be serving time in prison. We are, however, still disappointed with the conviction of culpable homicide,” said spokesperson Nathi Mncube.

Mncube added that Pistorius will serve a portion of the sentencing prior to considerations by the correctional services board to release him to serve the remainder of his sentencing under house arrest.

“This is a consolation, that he will serve a portion of the sentence before it’s decided if he should be given correctional supervision or not. The portion of the sentence to be served is based on the Correctional Services Act, which might be a third of the sentence,” said Mncube.

According to reports, Pistorius will only serve a portion of 10 months. Mncube, however, could not confirm this.

Mncube said the NPA is yet to decide whether to continue appealing the culpable homicide conviction.

“We have not made up our minds yet on whether we are going to appeal or not, there are various factors to consider. We have 14 days to decide.”

Media gathered outside the Kgosi Mampuru Prison where Pistorius was expected to arrive in a police vehicle.

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