Oscar Pistorius Sentencing Underway

Pistorius is being sentenced for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

This comes after one of the most sensational murder trials in South Africa's history.

The decision could fuel controversy over the state of the country's justice system.

The paralympic was convicted of culpable homicide last month for shooting dead 29 year old law graduate and model Reeva Steenkamp at his home in Pretoria on 14th February 2013.

Judge Thokozile Masipa cleared Pistorius of the more serious charge of murder, saying prosecutors had failed to prove his intent to kill.

His brother Carl and sister Aimee gave an interview ahead of the sentencing insisting their brother was innocent.

State prosecutor Gerrie Nel said at the sentencing hearing last week that only 10 years imprisonment would satisfy the South African public.

They would lose their faith in the justice system if Pistorius avoids jail, Nel said.

Carl Pistorius said he disagreed with the prosecution's portrayal of his brother Oscar.

If Pistorius avoids a custodial sentence, the decision could inflame public anger and fuel a perception among black South Africans that 20 years after the end of apartheid wealthy whites can still secure preferential justice.

By Bonareri Samaha