Prosecutors want Pistorius in jail for at least 10 years

2014-10-17 12

On the final day of Oscar Pistorius' sentencing hearing, prosecutor Gerrie Nel summed up his final argument, and demanded the Paralympic star serve at least 10 years in prison.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PROSECUTOR, GERRIE NEL, SAYING:

"My Lady, I could have started at 15 and hoped that the court will suspend five, My Lady, but this is a serious matter. The negligence borders on intent. Ten years is the minimum."

The minimum, says Nel for the negligent homicide of Reeva Steenkamp, whose shooting death Pistorius says was an accident.

He claims he mistook Steenkamp - his girlfriend - for an intruder, shooting at her through a toilet door on Valentine's Day last year.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRETORIA RESIDENT, ISAAC PHETLA, SAYING:

"I think he deserve to go to jail because he knew who exactly was behind the door."

Many South Africans agree, Pistorius should serve prison time for his crime. The hospital wing of Pretoria's infamous Central prison is his

Free Traffic Exchange