Pretoria - Prosecutor Gerrie Nel has tried to put Oscar Pistorius behind bars following his culpable homicide conviction.
Nel is opposing an extension of the athlete's bail.
Earlier on Friday, Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide following his killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. However, while he awaits sentencing, the court has the option to extend Pistorius's bail conditions.
After the verdict, defence advocate Barry Roux, told the court that Pistorius's bail should still stand until Judge Thokozile Masipa sentences the athlete.
He said Pistorius had been on bail on serious allegations and had followed his bail conditions to the tee. Roux indicated that he would need time with Pistorius to meet with experts as they prepared to argue for the sentencing proceedings.
Nel said he disagreed with Roux, and that Pistorius was grossly negligently responsible for the death of an innocent woman.
He said now that Pistorius knew what his conviction was, there was little reason to maintain his bail.
Nel noted that Pistorius had sold his properties, and no longer had a home as he lives with family. He then mentioned an incident where Pistorius was allegedly asked to leave a night club after an altercation in July.
He quoted a media release from the Pistorius family that said the family was wary of the “current climate” surrounding people's perceptions of the athlete. Combined with the State psychologist's assertions that Pistorius is a suicide risk, Nel believed the athlete should not be left to his own devices.
He said the serious nature of a culpable homicide conviction meant that in the interest of justice, Pistorius should be imprisoned immediately.
Roux saidthat Pistorius had sold his properties to pay for his legal fees.
He added the onus was on the State to prove why Pistorius should not have bail until his sentencing.
The court was adjourned till 12.30pm.
The Star