The judge delivered the ruling after reviewing arguments from the prosecution asking for a tough sentence, as well as the case of the defense calling for a more lenient punishment for the double-amputee Olympic runner.

"The following is what I consider to be a sentence that is fair and just, both to society and to the accused. Count one: culpable homicide, the sentence imposed is the maximum imprisonment of five years imposed in terms of section 2761i of the criminal procedure act number 51 of 1977."Pistorius killed Steenkamp on Valentine's Day last year, shooting her through a closed toilet door in his home.

刀锋战士枪杀女友获刑5年Pistorius testified that the shooting was an accident after mistaking his girlfriend for a night time intruder.

The court convicted him of culpable homicide, or negligent killing, but acquitted him of murder.