Oscar Pistorius Murder Trial Judge In Hot Seat; Judge Thokozile Masipa Answers Questions On Controversial Case

Judge Thokozile Masipa has been criticized by the public over her judgment on the Oscar Pistorius murder trial. Now, as she seeks higher office, she's also grilled by her own peers.

According to News24, Thokozile Masipa applied for judge president of the Limpopo Division of the High Court, which is set to be established, to unload cases from the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

Judge Masipa was reportedly one among seven senior judges who are vying for the position.

However, her interview revolved around her ruling of culpable homicide in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial.

"The hearing - which only ended after midnight - got off to a bad start for Masipa, a former journalist, who faced more questions about the Pistorius case than about her ability to hold the position," it said. "Her ruling, which is now being appealed by the prosecution, was widely criticised for being too lenient in a country where violence against women and children is rife."

In her ruling, Judge Masipa claimed the prosecution failed to provide sufficient proof to hold Oscar Pistorius to premeditated murder.

The judge said there were other ways where the "Blade Runner" could have dealt with the threat, instead of using a gun.

"All the accused had to do was pick up the phone and ring security, or run to the balcony and call for help," she said.

Commissioner Mathole Motshekga told Judge Masipa that the criticisms she received over her ruling on the Oscar Pistorius murder trial will only bring negative publicity in the new court.

The commissioner asked, "Given the unfair criticism against you, due to the ignorance of the law and legal processes, and the stigma from following such an ignorance, don't you think that will also unfairly tarnish the image of the new court?"

But Judge Masipa is adamant that her ruling in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial only proves that she doesn't buckle under pressure even if the public "expected a certain outcome and that did not happen."

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Oscar Pistorius
world news
Thokozile Masipa
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