'Convict Oscar Pistorius of Murder' - Appeal Likely as Runner Gets Five Years

Oscar Pistorius may yet be convicted of murder after the state indicated it will appeal his conviction.

Pistorius, 27, was jailed for five years today (21 October) for culpable homicide, but many in South Africa think the runner's killing of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp amounted to murder.

Speaking after the world's most famous athlete was jailed for five years by Judge Thokozile Masipa, a spokesman for the State in the case, hinted an appeal would come.

Nathi Mncube told reporters the prosecution was "disappointed with the verdict," adding: "We are going to consider whether to appeal the verdict or not.

"It is not a straightforward matter because there is law we have to consider, to ensure that if we do take the matter to appeal, we are able to support the decision. But hopefully we will able to do so.

"But we do find solace in the fact the accused will serve some time in prison. We have always argued that a non-custodial sentence will not be befitting the crime that has been committed.

"We must always remember the facts of the case have not changed - that four shots were fired and a person died as a result."

Prosecutors have 14 days to launch an appeal, following sentencing today at North Gauteng High Court.

During hearings which lasted five days, prosecutor Gerrie Nel demanded 10 years' imprisonment for Pistorius for killing Steenkamp. He branded a proposal for a non-custodial sentence "shockingly inappropriate".