The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) disappointed at sentence handed down to Oscar Pistorious

6 July 2016

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is disappointed at the judgement handed down against Oscar Pistorious today by Judge Thokozile Masipa. The Commission is of the view that the crime of murder perpetrated by Oscar Pistorious was of such a grievous nature that it warranted, at least, the 15-year minimum sentence as prescribed in the Criminal Procedures Act.

The 6-year sentence imposed by Judge Masipa is therefore woefully inadequate given the nature of the crime committed, and in our considered view, fails to convey the necessary message of deterrence against perpetrators of similar lethal violence going forward, especially against women.

In a country where at least four women are killed by their intimate partners and outcome like this belittle the experiences of the victims of gender based violence. We say this notwithstanding Judge Masipa’s unequivocal statement that the murder of Reeva Steenkamp was not a case of gender based violence.

The Commission is particularly pleased that our Judicial System allowed for self-correction as evidenced by the Supreme Court of Appeal’s decision to change the conviction of Pistorious from culpable homicide to murder, and referred the matter back to the trial court for re-sentencing. Nonetheless today’s Judgement was disappointing.

People can use our Toll Free Number 0800 007 709 to report cases of gender based violence and other related crimes.

Statement issued by Javu Baloyi, Commission for Gender Equality, 6 July 2016