Correctional Services Specialist Urges Community work for Pistorius In place of Incarceration

Oscar Pistorius, 27, is a South African sprint runner and six-time Paralympic Games champion. He has competed in events both for amputees and for able-bodied athletes. © REUTERS/ Mike Hutchings

Correctional services officer Joel Maringa has told the court on Monday that South African amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius must be afflicted by four years of community work as opposed to incarceration.

“Basically, the issue here is that not only retribution is considered when sentencing. We are also looking at the issue of reforming the accused in the interests of society as well. For the wrong that he has done, you will be compensating the society by doing community service,” Maringa told the court.

However, Maringa’s recommendation was opposed by Prosecutor Gerrie Nel, who labeled the suggestion as “shockingly inappropriate”.

Monday’s hearing follows the mid-September ruling by which South African judge Thokozile Masipa found Pistorius guilty of culpable homicide but cleared him of premeditated murder. Many look at the judgment to be unjust, including the close family of Steenkamp.

Oscar Pistorius, 27, is a South African sprint runner and six-time Paralympic Games champion. He’s competed in events both for amputees and for able-bodied athletes.

On February 14, 2013, Pistorius was faced with the murder of his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp, after her body was in the athlete’s bathroom. Pistorius claims he mistook her for an intruder.