State appeals Oscar Pistorius conviction, sentence
The State has filed its appeal against paralympian Oscar Pistorius's conviction and sentence, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said on Tuesday.
A file picture dated 19 August 2013 shows South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius as he appears in the Pretoria Magistrates court in Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on 12 September 2014. The sentence is expected to be announced on 21 October. EPA/STR
“Today, we announce that the NPA filed the application for leave to appeal both the conviction and sentence. The appeal on conviction is based on the question of law,” said NPA spokesman Nathi Mncube in a statement.
“The merits of the NPA’s argument in this regard are contained in the papers that were filed with the registrar of the North Gauteng High Court today.
NPA confirm Oscar Pistorius appeal
FILE PICTURE: Oscar Pistorius during his sentencing hearing at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on October 21, 2014. Picture: AFP
“This means that the matter is now officially sub judice and consequently the NPA will not be able to discuss the matter publicly until judgment is delivered by the court.”
Last month, Pistorius was sentenced to prison for five years for the culpable homicide of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. He shot her through a locked toilet door in his Pretoria home thinking she was an intruder.
– Sapa
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