According to a report via BBC.com, Oscar Pistorius, a former South African Paralympian, has been sentenced to six years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.
The report reveals that Pistorius was immediately placed in custody; however, the prosecution and defence can appeal.
Pistorius was placed under the spotlight when he shot Reeva Steenkamp, four times through a locked toilet door, back in February 2013. The report further reveals that Pistorius admitted shooting Steenkamp, but said he mistook her for an intruder and acted out of fear.
According to the report, Judge Thokozile Masipa said mitigating circumstances, such as rehabilitation and remorse, outweighed aggravating factors for deviating from the prescribed 15-year sentence for murder.
Members of the public flocked to social media to air their opinions.
@BBCBreaking absolute joke. 6 years for murder? he won’t even serve half of it #OscarPistorius #OscarTrial
— Rishika (@rish_0) July 6, 2016
Don’t tell us how to react to Oscar and his Judge … #OscarPistorius
— ‘Zanie (@AnzaNelz) July 6, 2016
Why are we still surprised? We know we are citizens of a Banana Republic #OscarPistorius
— LuKay Mampuru (@LuKayMampuru) July 6, 2016
If my daughter was murdered by someone I also wouldn’t want to meet up with him!how does this apply to the sentencing??? #OscarPistorius
— Amore. (@nellexis_ell) July 6, 2016
Judge said oscars a fallen hero and a long sentence wouldn’t do him justice! Wow ?#OscarPistorius
— ROADIZM x P A P (@jaepaper) July 6, 2016
I swear you’d get more in South Africa for robbery. Feel for her family. No justice. #OscarPistorius
— Kaashif (@Kaashif_92) July 6, 2016
Thank god the #OscarPistorius thing is over now the state can focus on victims that are still waiting for justice
— The Duchess (@KeamoCaliente) July 6, 2016
I know people who got 15 years for robbery, I guess laptops, cellphones cars are more valuable than Reeva #OscarPistorius
— Molka (@xoliswa_mbayise) July 6, 2016
I’m still mad about #OscarPistorius case . I can’t even imagine the burden Reeva’s parents are feeling rn
— ♡ (@kate23bieber) July 6, 2016
So what’s going to happen when people completely give up on the justice system #OscarPistorius
— BEINGNICKDRE (@BeingNickDre) July 6, 2016
Staff Writer
