After a long trial and sentencing hearing, paralympian -Oscar Pistorius has been thrown into prison for 5 years today for killing his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Judge Thokozile Masipa during the sentencing few minutes ago said; “Having regard to the circumstances in the matter, I am of the view that a non-custodial sentence would send the wrong message to the community,”
“On the other hand, a long sentence would also not be appropriate either, as it would lack the element of mercy” she said.
The 27-year-old, who was found guilty of culpable homicide last month, gave little visible reaction as the sentence was handed down.
Oscar’s lawyer-Barry Roux mentioned during the trial that the athlete had “lost everything” after the 29-year-old model’s death, and argued he should not go to prison.
He stated that the ‘Blade Runner’ athlete, whose lower legs were amputated as a baby, would face particular difficulties in jail.
But state prosecutor-Gerrie Nel was unmoved as he argued that only 10 years’ imprisonment would satisfy the South African public—adding that any lesser sentence could result in a widespread loss of faith in the justice system.
Summing up today, Judge Masipa began stated that the decision on sentencing ‘is mine and mine alone’
She also said ‘sentencing is about achieving the right balance. Sentencing is not a perfect exercise.’
She stated clearly that prison would have ‘no problems’ catering for Pistorius’ disability if he was jailed—noting that a pregnant woman may be classified as vulnerable but would not necessarily escape prison.
I thought 5 years was a bit steep to be honest. I think he has shown remorse and has lost everything…including a girlfriend that I believe he loved and didn’t intend to harm. I have always believed that he didn’t intend to harm her at all….he thought she was in bed and in his vulnerable physical state went over the top in trying to defend them both. We have to remember that South Africa is a very violent place to live and intruders will stop at nothing to get what they want. He must’ve feared that if the intruders got anywhere near him he wouldn’t be able to defend himself or Reeva given his disabilities. He probably feared that they would both be killed and Reeva possibly raped. He is a broken man and no doubt living with what he has done will be enough mental punishment. His legal team member leaving the court said he will serve one sixth of the 5 years (10 months) then he will be under house arrest for the remainder so the sentence thankfully isn’t as harsh as it sounded
The sentence is a joke. He got off lightly because of who he is. Do you think if he was an average south African he would have got off that easily? It goes to show that in Africa if you have money, you can do anything including murder and get away with it.
I agree, I share the same thought, however in his case there was no intention to kill, Yes he killed a human being however it wasn’t deliberate, what I don’t agree is that he gets to spend just 10 months in prison it should have been a bit more than that, but don’t forget, he has lost everything and he will live with this for the rest of his life, life outside would be worse for him than that life in jail
I thought 5 years was a bit steep to be honest. I think he has shown remorse and has lost everything…including a girlfriend that I believe he loved and didn’t intend to harm. I have always believed that he didn’t intend to harm her at all….he thought she was in bed and in his vulnerable physical state went over the top in trying to defend them both. We have to remember that South Africa is a very violent place to live and intruders will stop at nothing to get what they want. He must’ve feared that if the intruders got anywhere near him he wouldn’t be able to defend himself or Reeva given his disabilities. He probably feared that they would both be killed and Reeva possibly raped. He is a broken man and no doubt living with what he has done will be enough mental punishment. His legal team member leaving the court said he will serve one sixth of the 5 years (10 months) then he will be under house arrest for the remainder so the sentence thankfully isn’t as harsh as it sounded
The sentence is a joke. He got off lightly because of who he is. Do you think if he was an average south African he would have got off that easily? It goes to show that in Africa if you have money, you can do anything including murder and get away with it.
I agree, I share the same thought, however in his case there was no intention to kill, Yes he killed a human being however it wasn’t deliberate, what I don’t agree is that he gets to spend just 10 months in prison it should have been a bit more than that, but don’t forget, he has lost everything and he will live with this for the rest of his life, life outside would be worse for him than that life in jail