Reeva Steenkamp’s Mom: Pistorius should ‘pay’

Reeva Steenkamp’s mother, June, is set to publish a book about the trial in which athlete Oscar Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide for the Valentine’s Day killing of the model. She is also speaking out about her feelings on the charges, for which he will be sentenced in October.

“In my opinion, it means that Oscar’s not going to pay properly for killing our lovely daughter,” June Steenkamp, Reeva’s mother, told Hello! Magazine.

“I understand that the judge could only deal with the facts that were placed before her, but my view is that the verdict is not the right one, it doesn’t sit well with me at all.”

A guilty verdict for premeditated murder would have carried a sentence of at least 25 years. Pistorius awaits sentencing for culpable homicide, which could put him away for 15 years but could also see him walk free without serving any jail time.

A sentencing hearing has been set for next month, at which time both the prosecution and the defense will make their arguments for an appropriate jail sentence. Prosecutor Gerrie Nel will likely push for the maximum 15-year sentence, and it’s been expected by many that he’d ask June Steenkamp to take the stand. After a six-month trial, however, Reeva’s mother has no desire to go back to court.

“I don’t wish to set foot in a courtroom ever again,” she said. “All we have ever wanted is the truth. We don’t necessarily want him to go to jail. Nothing will change. Reeva is not coming back.”

Agencies/Canadajournal