Pistorius sentencing phase begins in South Africa

PRETORIA, South Africa, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- The sentencing phase of the trial of Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius, convicted of culpable homicide in the 2013 death of his girlfriend, began in Pretoria Monday.

Although he was cleared of a murder accusation in the shooting death of Reva Steenkamp, the matter of his sentencing remains to be resolved, and witnesses for his defense were called to testify by Judge Thokozile Masipa, who will decide Pistorius' sentence.

Dr. Lore Hartzenberg, Pistorius' trauma counselor, implied Pistorius had been adequately punished by losing his "moral and professional reputation." Social worker Joel Maringa, assigned to the case by the state and not by the defense, suggested three years of house arrest and community service, and no prison time, as an appropriate punishment. While Pistorius' business manager, Peet Van Zyl, was on the stand, he highlighted his clients' charity work.

Each was cross-examined by prosecutor Gerrie Nel, who was not able to rattle the witnesses. Judge Masipa, who can sentence Pistorius to a jail term up to 15 years, asked for information about the scope of possible community service for Pistorius.

Testimony will continue Tuesday with more from Van Zyl, after which Pistorius' team will be able to call witnesses.