Prosecutor cross-examines witness who recommended Pistorius avoid further jail time
The sentencing proceedings of disabled Paralympian Oscar Pistorius were stood down until 2.30pm to allow the prosecution to consult its experts.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel had begun cross-examining Professor Jonathan Scholtz‚ who prepared a report recommending that Pistorius should not serve further prison time.
Pistorius was initially sentenced to serve a five-year prison term in 2014 on his conviction on culpable homicide for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14‚ 2013.
This conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court of Appeal in December and replaced with that of murder. The appeal court sent the matter back to the High Court in Pretoria for sentencing.
Judge Thokozile Masipa began sentencing proceedings on Monday morning.
Nel told Scholtz that the common theme that emerged in the two judgments involving Pistorius was that Pistorius was a poor witness.
Scholtz said he did not discuss this aspect of the judgment with Pistorius.
“The Supreme Court of Appeal said one does not know his explanation of why he fired the weapon. Did you discuss it?” Nel asked.
Scholtz said he did not discuss this with Pistorius. Scholtz said he stuck with the judgment of the SCA.
“It did not matter anymore what he thought about. He showed remorse. He said it was his fault. He accepts that he took her life. His thoughts were he killed her‚” Scholtz said.
Nel mentioned that Pistorius had temper tantrums while in prison.
Nel asked Scholtz whether Pistorius agreed that he armed himself with an intention to shoot‚ that he knew there was somebody behind the door‚ that he intentionally fired four shots into the door. Scholtz replied: “Yes.”
Nel told Scholtz that he volunteered evidence about money that was paid by Pistorius to the Steenkamp family.
“Do you know that this would be part of a future civil claim if that were to happen? The R6500 was viewed by all parties concerned as part-payment of civil claim. You knew there was agreement it would be kept confidential‚” Nel asked.
Scholtz said he did not know about that .
Nel told Scholtz that the prosecution will lead evidence that Pistorius was not confined to his cell for 18 hours a day. — Tiso Black Star Group Digital