Oscar Pistorius to be sentenced for Reeva Steenkamp's murder

Oscar Pistorius is set to be sentenced for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The disgraced athlete should learn his fate by the end of the week - ending years of legal twists and turns.

Here's what we know.

  • Hasn't he already been convicted and jailed?

Pistorius shot and killed Steenkamp on Valentine's Day 2013. Credit: PA Wire

Yes. Pistorius initially received a five-year jail term for culpable homicide - the South African equivalent of manslaughter.

He was released from prison last October after just a year behind bars.

The 29-year-old was ordered to serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest at his uncle's home.

But the conviction was upgraded to murder after an appeal by prosecutors.

  • How long could Pistorius get?

Murder in South Africa carries a minimum 15-year jail term.

  • Can he appeal?

No.

South Africa's highest court ruled in March that Pistorius cannot appeal against his murder conviction.

He has exhausted his legal options and will be jailed once again - this time as a convicted murderer.

The athlete has consistently denied intentionally killing Steenkamp, insisting he mistook her for an intruder when he fired shots through a locked toilet door on Valentine's Day 2013.

  • Who will take to the stand?

Reeva's father Barry Steenkamp could give evidence. Credit: Reuters

Original trial judge Thokozile Masipa will begin hearing pre-sentencing arguments at Pretoria High Court on Monday.

Pistorius could take the stand himself.

Reeva's father Barry Steenkamp, who wants Pistorius to be handed a lengthy prison sentence, may also give evidence.

Pistorius' legal team is expected to call witnesses who will argue that Masipa should be lenient because of the athlete's mental fragility, physical disability and good behaviour during his time behind bars.

The prosecution will argue that Pistorius has shown no remorse and should receive a long jail sentence.