Twitter abuzz over Oscar verdict

Oscar Pistorius reacts in the dock during the verdict in his murder trial on Thursday. Picture: Kim Ludbrook

Oscar Pistorius reacts in the dock during the verdict in his murder trial on Thursday. Picture: Kim Ludbrook

Published Sep 11, 2014

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Johannesburg - Many people were shocked on Thursday when the judge in the Oscar Pistorius trial acquitted the paralympian of murder, and many took to social networking sites to voice their disappointment.

“Oscar Pistorius has been found NOT guilty? He killed his girlfriend! Is this a sick joke?! #JusticeForReeva,” (at)Harrv_Styles wrote on Twitter.

Another user, (at)KarlJCompton wrote: “I can't believe Oscar Pistorius has been found not guilty of murder. He intended to kill her, don't care what anyone says. #Disgusting.”

During the first half of her judgment on Thursday, Judge Thokozile Masipa found that Pistorius was not guilty of murder but could still be found guilty of culpable homicide.

“The accused therefore cannot be found guilty of murder dolus eventualis 1/8legal intent 3/8... that however is not the end of the matter as culpable homicide is a competent verdict,” she said in the High Court in Pretoria.

The judge adjourned judgment early on Thursday before making a finding on whether the athlete was guilty of culpable homicide.

Judgment is expected to continue on Friday.

Pistorius, 27, said he thought an intruder was behind the door of the toilet in his Pretoria home when he shot through it. He fired four times, killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, 2013. The State argued the murder was premeditated.

Pistorius pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, and to three firearm-related charges.

Following Masipa's finding on murder, some people on Twitter expressed sympathy with the Steenkamp family.

Steenkamp's parents, Barry and June, were in court for the judgment.

“Speechless. Rest in peace, Reeva, sorry there is no justice and no closure for your family,” said (at)clausgurumeta.

Another user (at)ingeniusbooks said: “If I feel completely depressed about #OscarPistoriusJudgement I cannot imagine how Reeva's parents must feel.”

While (at)chop59 said: “This should have been about justice for Reeva Steenkamps death! Not excuses for OP supreme domestic violence……bad decision so far!!”

A few Twitter users cracked jokes about the finding that Pistorius was acquitted of murder.

“What does England and Oscar Pistorius have in common? Looks like both will get away Scot free,” said (at)HarryBedfont.

User (at)Officialben_ said: “Now Oscar Pistorius has been found innocent I still don't think anyone will risk throwing him a surprise party?”

“Wow! The Pope has apparently called for Oscar Pistorius's lawyer to be named a saint, as he has officially made a crippled man walk today,” said (at)jamster83.

Sapa

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