A judge on Tuesday let Oscar Pistorius remain under house arrest at his uncle’s mansion and set an April sentencing date, five days after an appeals court convicted the double-amputee Olympian of murdering his girlfriend.
In the meantime, Pistorius’ legal team plans to appeal his murder conviction in South Africa’s highest court, the Constitutional Court, defense lawyer Barry Roux said.
Judge Aubrey ledwaba at the North Gauteng High Court, set April 18 for the sentencing and granted Pistorius bail of the equivalent of $692 in South African currency, extending his house arrest until then. Pistorius may only leave his uncle’s home between 7 am. and 12 pm, the judge said.
Prosecution spokesman luvuyo Mfaku said the April date would allow the Constitutional Court time to decide whether it would hear Pistorius’ appeal. The defense has 15 days to submit appeal papers to the Constitutional Court, Mfaku said.
The former track star’s lawyer did not say on what basis he would appeal the murder conviction at the Constitutional Court.
“We’re not convinced that the accused has made out a good case and that his application to the Constitutional Court will be successful,” said Prosecutor Gerrie Nel.