The minimum sentence for murder in South Africa is 15 years and yet somehow Oscar Pistorius was only put behind bars for six years for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. That decision could yet be changed.
When Pistorius was sentenced earlier this month, having previously been sentenced and jailed for culpable homicide, the South African equivalent of manslaughter there was much derision for his lenient sentence but Judge Thokozile Masipa reckoned his remorse and belief that Steenkamp had been an intruder in his home were "substantial and compelling" for only giving him a six year spell in jail.
However the National Prosecuting Authority in South Africa today revealed they will be looking for a longer sentence for the former Paralympian saying, "the sentence of six years imprisonment, in all the circumstances, is disproportionate to the crime of murder committed [and] shockingly too lenient." It's difficult to disagree with them!
The NPA added that the sentence of just six years, a whole nine years short of the minimum sentencing for murder, was "an injustice and has the potential to bring the administration of justice into disrepute."
Advert
Pistorius was originally sent down for culpable homicide after claiming he shot Steenkamp, through the door of his bathroom, because he woke in the early hours and believed the person he could hear was an intruder rather than his girlfriend.
The double leg amputee initially served one year of a five year sentence before being resentenced after his offence was upgraded to murder.
(h/t The Guardian)
Featured Image Credit: