In a time we are trying to move past violence against women and children it is not a prudent decision to give such a light sentence to Oscar. A prison sentence is meant to be punishment for a crime and the nature of the crime committed in this case is too violent for just 5years/8 months in prison, in old times he would have been sent to the gallows for such a hideous act . What example is the justice system setting in a nation that is struggling with the issue of violence, especially against women? This will only lead to a perpetuation of the problem as this case makes it seem women's rights and human life are not respected in the country, especially with so many international eyes on the case. Criminals will care less about the consequences of their actions and not respect life as it would seem that human life is not respected as long as you have a strong legal team. What's worse is that Oscar has stated his intentions to work with children, we feel that this is not wise as it will set the wrong example to children much as he will be trying to display reform. It will do more harm than good, noble as his intentions to work with children are,in our opinion, it is quite disgusting he wants to do so. Children are influenced by what they see as their cognitive skills develop, what they might eventually feel is "If Oscar did it then its not such a bad thing, he didn't even go to jail for that long."

We feel he must not get out of prison any time soon for the sake of sensitivity and humanity. He committed murder by virtue of his commitment to pull the trigger FOUR TIMES knowing the end result could be Reeva's death; he made the decision and followed through. In a society with criminals brazen enough to murder in full view of the public (Emmanuel Josias Sithole's murder for example), some things need to be reconsidered for the sake of the children. How safe do they feel? How will human life be respected by citizens when it seems the law doesn't respect it?

No to getting away with murder!!!

What message is the SA justice system sending to an already worried and troubled generation? Please hear our concerns on this issue, we are against violence and want a South Africa that is free of violence.

Yours truly

Action Xlence

(Action Xlence is an NPO committed to helping build a violence free society)