Oscar Pistorious Sentencing Underway

Pistorius was convicted of culpable homicide after he shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on the 14th of February 2013.

The 27-year-old Paralympic and Olympic star is now facing a potential sentence of up to 15 years in jail.

The case that has riveted South Africans and gripped millions around the world shocked by the fall of a man widely admired as an inspiration for disabled people.

According to Joel Maringa, a prison term correctional services social worker, Pistorius was a co-operative person who should be sentenced to three years of correctional supervision.

This would mean the athlete would have to spend a portion of the day at home.

Maringa also said Pistorius should carry out community service such as sweeping the streets outside museums in Pretoria.

State prosecutor Gerrie Nel who is pushing for a lengthy prison sentence described the social worker's recommendations as shockingly inappropriate.

South African prison is notoriously dangerous even more so for a handicapped inmate such as Pistorius a factor the judge has to consider.

A murder conviction would have almost certainly carried a jail sentence.

Culpable homicide is South Africa's equivalent of manslaughter and can be punished by anything from 15 years in jail to a suspended sentence or community service.

By Bonareri Nyamoita