Oscar Pistorius Trial: 5-Year Sentence Just the Start, More Troubles Brewing

By Staff Writer

Mar 25, 2015 06:07 AM EDT

It seems Oscar Pistorius is bound to face murder charges after all. Fresh from being handed a five-year sentence by Judge Thokozile Masipa for culpable homicide - impediment on his murder charges to proceed is disappearing as the great Paralympian's bid to prevent his manslaughter conviction from being overturned has been struck out.

Despite the fact that Pistorius is being afforded a lot of perks in prison - a radio for instance - he could be in for a more severe punishment. One thing is apparent, his super-athletic abilities are slowly failing him as  the death of Reeva Steenkamp is one event in his life he cannot run away from.

Bigger Troubles Brewing

For fans and relatives alike who sighed relief once the five-sentence was handed, there may be more reason to cry at this point in time.

Where the argument before set by the defence was that the super-athlete should not see the insides of a prison - but be placed under house arrest, now Pistorius' legal troubles are heaping up. And his five-year sentence could just be the least of them.

Citing misinterpretation on a point of law, state prosecutors appealed the verdict handed down by Judge Masipa.

Sensing a deeper hole, Barry Roux - Pistorius' lawyer - applied for the defence to be given a "leave" in order to appeal the state's right to appeal, according to British online publication Mirror.

He pointed out that the state appealed the manslaughter conviction for a "factual matter" - and not just on a point of law.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel countered telling the court that the application was "ridiculous" barring a precedent whatsoever in South African Law.

He concluded that the case would become "never ending" should the application be granted.

It did not take long for Judge Masipa to act on the application, subsequently striking it out and saying there was "nothing new" in the defence submissions.

Everything is set for the next hearing which will be in Bloemfontein at South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal - except for a date.

Death Threats and Losing Weight

Meanwhile, Oscar Pistorius, 28 remains in solitary confinement in a cell away from fellow inmates, You magazine reports.

In their investigation a prisoner revealed: "He has no contact with other inmates... there where people fight and stab each other."

The great Paralympian - who raised hopes for millions in his victories - is losing weight at the infamous Kgosi Mampuru prison, eating only tinned goods he personally purchases from the prison tuck shop for fears of being poisoned.

Death threats have been thrown his way by fellow inmates - specifically death by poisoning.

For sure, this fight is the biggest challenge yet in the life of an Oscar Pistorius, a phenomenal athlete that became a world champion even without legs.

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