Oscar Pistorius Sentenced To Six Years In Prison For... Murder? Yup, Six Years For Murder
(Source) — Oscar Pistorius could potentially be released from prison in a year after being handed a six-year sentence for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The South African paralympic gold medallist was found guilty of murdering the 29-year-old model last year by an appeals court. He had initially received a five-year-sentence for culpable homicide in 2014, for which he served one year in prison, which was upgraded following the ruling by the appeals court. Pistorius stood and looked on solemnly as Judge Thokozile Masipa delivered her verdict and he learnt he would not be spending 15 years in prison, the standard minimum sentence for murder. Under South African law, people convicted are eligible to apply for “correctional supervision” after a sixth of their sentence has been served in prison. According to government documents, one type of correctional supervision is “where the Parole Board may place the offender under correctional supervision after one-sixth of the sentence has been served”, which suggests Pistorius could apply after serving one year.
It’s been months, probably even years, since I argued in front of a South African court so I’m going spare you guys all the legalese but let me just say this: six years for a murder seems rather light. You know what? I’ll just come out and say it: too light. A six year sentence for murder is definitely too light. Some of you may see that as a hot take but when you’re reading a straight shooter, you get straight shots and this guy isn’t afraid to admit that a guilty verdict for murdering your girlfriend should get you more time in prison than a doctor, or a lazy kid, spends in college. At least he can get out after a year, though. Wouldn’t want the guy in jail for so long that he has to do things celebrate his birthday or ask a buddy to make sure he gets his car inspection sticker for him. What a calamity that would be.
But to be fair, the judge said that she wasn’t giving the mandatory 15 year sentence because a long prison term wouldn’t be justice. His life will never be the same and he’s a fallen hero. I’ll admit she’s got a point there. When he gets out he won’t even be making Nike money or competing in the Olympics anymore so it’s basically like he’ll still be in prison.