Pistorius expected in court this week
Murder convicted Oscar Pistorius is expected to appear in the High Court in Pretoria again this week so a date can be set for his sentencing.
The paralympian's initial culpable homicide conviction was overturned last week in the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein.
NPA spokesperson Luvuyo Mfaku said on Monday there was no date confirmed yet, but arrangements were underway to assure Pistorius appeared in court soon.
Mfaku explained the judge president had to confirm a court date, hopefully within this week, so the matter could be formally postponed for sentencing.
When Pistorius appears the matter of securing his attendance in court next year will be addressed - this will deal with his bail.
Mfaku said we have to remember bail isn't punitive, it is a measure to assure attendance.
Pistorius was out on bail during the trial, meaning he complied with all the bail conditions. If there were new circumstances, relating to bail, it would be debated in court.
Mfaku said the prosecution has not advised the NPA yet as to whether there were any new circumstances that would impact on his bail application.
He also explaind that the date of sentencing will depend on the diary of the presiding officer.
Mfaku added that normal procedures would be followed during sentencing, meaning witnesses and experts could be called to testify in mitigation or aggravation of the sentence.
Once the NPA gets feedback from the prosecutors about Pistorius' appearance this week, it will issues a media statement.
(File photo: Gallo Images)