Oscar Pistorius denied leave to appeal murder, final justice for Reeva Steenkamp?

Africa gets better and better everyday, and the Oscar Pistorius story is one such example. Yes, the continent still has many things that it needs to get right, many tears go unavenged, many issues swept under the carpet, but I am proud of South Africa for seeing this case to the full letter of the law, irrespective of the status of the murderer, the innate corruption of the entire system, or the time that has passed since the tragic death of Reeva Steenkamp.

According to the BBC, South African athlete and Olympic gold winner, Oscar Pistorius, has yesterday been denied leave to appeal against his conviction for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The Constitutional Court has made the ruling, meaning Pistorius will now be sentenced in April of this year.

Pistorius killed Ms Steenkamp in February 2013 after firing four times through a locked toilet door. He was originally convicted of manslaughter when he testified that he thought he was being burgled and reached for his gun and shot in a fearful daze, but this conviction was overturned to a murder verdict and today marked his final appeal against this.

This case is proof if ever any was needed that two souls can live within one human. Bladerunner, as he is fondly called, is a consummate athlete and professional; a man who overcame great odds to rise to the very top of his profession. There is, however, little doubt that he is a troubled man witha  very difficult past – a past that manifested itself in the most tragic way possible.

Such a talent should not be wasted behind bars. Pistorius was more than a runner, he was a symbol for hope, for triumph, for overcoming adversity, for the sheer strength of the human mind.

But Reeva Steenkamp’s parents do not deserve to cry to sleep every night. And if they have to, then someone should be heard responsible for the grief.

A sad tale all around.