ANCWL welcomes Oscar appeal

“We remain convinced that another court could have justifiably reached a conviction of murder rather than culpable homicide in this case and we thus support the NPA in their application,” spokeswoman Edna Molewa said in a statement.

“As previously indicated, the ANC Women’s League will be making an application to be admitted as a friend of the court in this matter.”

Members of the African National Congress Women’s League were in court supporting the family of Reeva Steenkamp during Pistorius’s trial.

FILE PICTURE: Members of the ANCWL sing and dance outside the North Gauteng High Court on 11 September 2014 in support of Reeva Steenkamp for the first day of judgment of Oscar Pistorius. Picture: Christine Vermooten

The National Prosecuting Authority announced on Monday it would appeal.

“The appeal on conviction is based on the question of law,” spokesman Nathi Mncube said in a statement.

“The merits and the demerits of the NPA’s argument in this regard will become evident when we file papers for leave to appeal.”

Mncube said prosecutors Gerrie Nel and Andrea Johnson had been studying the judgment, doing research and consulting legal experts to establish if there were sufficient grounds to appeal.

FILE PICTURE: Prosecutor Gerrie Nel at the sentencing hearing of Oscar Pistorius at the high court in Pretoria, Thursday, 16 October 2014. Picture: Alon Skuy/Times Media Group/Pool

“The prosecutors are now preparing the necessary papers in order to be able to file within the next few days,” Mncube said.

– Sapa