State to appeal Oscar Pistorius sentence
The state has decided to appeal the sentence handed down to convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius.
The Paralympian was handed a six year prison sentence for the killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in 2013.
The prescribed minimum sentence for murder is 15 years.
The National Prosecuting Authority is of the view that the sentence was disproportionate to the crime committed, describing it as "shockingly lenient" and resulting in an injustice that could bring the administration of justice into disrepute.
It further said it hopes an appeal will clarify the principles of sentencing - particularly in crime categories where there was a prescribed minimum sentence.
The papers are due to be filed today.