South African Prosecutors Say Pistorius 6-Year Sentence Too Lenient, Will Appeal

South African prosecutors are readying to appeal Oscar Pistorius' six-year murder sentence.

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The South African Supreme Court of Appeal will hear the state's appeal on 3 November. The National Prosecuting Authority says the six-year sentence is too lenient and are pushing for a minimum of 15 years.

This will be the State's second appeal.

Pistorius was initial slapped with a culpable homicide conviction, which was changed to murder following a State appeal.

During the 2016 sentencing, Judge Thokozile Masipa said: “To answer the question whether there exist substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a lesser sentence, courts must also [consider] aggravating factors as well as mitigating factors.”

“This court is aware that the accused has expressed a wish to do community work as punishment–that is a noble gesture. However, punishment is not what you choose to do, it is something that is imposed on you,” she said. “I am of the view that a long-term imprisonment will not serve justice in this matter.”

The Paralympic gold medalist – popularly known as Bladerunner – was handed the term last year, following a trial for the 2013 murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day.

Eyewitness News reported that Pistorius claimed that he accidentally shot Steenkamp, after mistaking her for an intruder.

Pistorius was moved to the Atteridgvile Correctional Centre, a penal facility better suited for inmates with disabilities.