No sentencing date for Pistorius
The minimum sentence for murder in South Africa is 15 years.
NO warrant of arrest has yet been issued for accused Paralympian, Oscar Pistorius.
Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine’s Day nearly three years ago, claiming he believed her to be an intruder.
In October 2014, he was sentenced to five years for the culpable homicide of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. He was released on house arrest after serving just under a fifth of his sentence.
Last week, The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) set aside the culpable homicide conviction, replacing it with the more serious charge of murder.
Judge Lorimer Eric Leach of the SCA said regardless of who Pistorius said he thought was behind the door, he should have known someone could be killed if he fired.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) intends to secure the warrant today, to ensure Pistorius appears in court next Tuesday for a bail application.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NPA said that their aim was to ensure that Pistorius appeared in court soon.
“The NPA commends the investigation and prosecution team for the professional and meticulous manner they handled the matter. We further extend our gratitude to the experts and community members who testified during the trial,” it reads.
“The NPA is engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure that Mr Pistorius appears in court soon in order for the matter to be postponed formally to a date suitable to all parties for sentencing procedures, however no court date has been confirmed.”
