Oscar Pistorius could be spared jail over girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp’s killing, despite yesterday being found guilty of blasting her to death. The Paralympic sprinter was convicted of culpable homicide – the equivalent to manslaughter – and bailed in a dramatic trial that has captivated the world. Pistorius, 27, fired four shots through his bathroom door, killing 29-year-old Reeva on Valentine’s Day last year.
Sentences for manslaughter in South Africa can vary from 20 years behind bars to fines and community service – known there as correctional supervision. And after the verdict, Reeva’s distraught family said “justice was not served”, as it emerged he may never go to jail and could instead only be left out of pocket.
Dr Llewellyn Curlewis, of the South African Law Society, said: “The most probable sentence in my mind is correctional supervision. The court would have very wide discretion about what happens.” At Pretoria high court, Pistorius sighed and shut his eyes as Judge Thokozile Masipa told him he was cleared of murder. She appeared to believe his version that he thought Reeva was an intruder hiding in his toilet who was going to attack them.
He spent just one hour in a cell alone, awaiting the decision on bail, and had appeared reluctant to be taken down by a police officer. Earlier he had been in good spirits and had even hugged his dad Henke, with whom he has had a strained relationship.
On the opposite side of the court Reeva’s family and friends were in tears after hearing he would be allowed to leave a free man until sentencing on October 13. A pal said they were “very disappointed” with the verdicts but “were trying to stay strong”.
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