Pistorius prosecutors to appeal verdict, sentence

Prosecutors in South Africa said Monday they will appeal the verdict and sentence handed down to renowned paralympian Oscar Pistorius.

'The appeal on conviction is based on the question of law,' spokesman Nathi Mncube said in a statement released to South Africa's timeslive.com news website and other outlets. 'The merits and the demerits of the NPA's argument in this regard will become evident when we file papers for leave to appeal.'

Last week, Pistorius was sentenced to five years in prison in the fatal shooting of his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp.

Judge Thokozile Masipa convicted Pistorius of culpable homicide -- manslaughter -- be found him not guilty of murder. She said a long prison sentence would show a lack of mercy toward Pistorius, who said he was afraid his his was being robbed when he shot Steenkamp through his bathroom door on Valentine's Day 2013. A three-year-sentence for an unrelated firearm charge was suspended.

Pistorius, known as 'Blade Runner' for running on prosthetic legs, could be released from prison to house arrest after 10 months, defense lawyer Barry Roux said.

Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/1tYXUlU

USA NOW Nurse: 'Worst day of my life' when Ebola patient died