A top appeal judge overturned the lesser ‘culpable homicide’ conviction and ordered the immediate arrest of South Africa’s fallen hero for the 2013 Valentine’s Day murder of June’s stunning daughter.
An emotional June, who had campaigned tirelessly against the Olympian’s release from jail on parole in October, told Sky News that her family has finally obtained “respect for Reeva” and “respect for women”.
“I really don’t care how long it is, as long as he pays for what he’s done and takes responsibility for what happened. He’s got to take responsibility for what he’s done,” said June, clutching a single rose.
Pistorius is likely to be sentenced in the New Year and now faces up to 15 years in jail – but June stopped short of saying she wants to see him suffer.
“In my heart, I don’t want revenge towards him. I’m past that.
“One has to move on otherwise you become ill.”
June closed her eyes but remained silent as the decision was read out in Bloemfontein.
She later told Sky News: “I was just emotional … I want recognition for who Reeva was, and for people to respect her and love her like I did.”
Justice Eric Leach, reading the ruling on behalf of the five judge bench, said: “This is a human tragedy of Shakespearean proportions.”
He added that Pistorius, now 29, must have foreseen that firing into the toilet would likely have killed whoever was inside – but he went ahead anyway.
Pistorius was not in court for the verdict – he is currently under house arrest at his uncle’s luxurious home after being released in October.
He served less than a year of a five-year sentence for killing Reeva.
Pistorius had said he accidentally shot dead Reeva after believing there was an intruder in his house. The prosecution argued he killed her after an argument.
Reeva’s dad Barry said the latest decision means the family could finally get on with their lives.
“It’s a big relief. I feel it’s a fair decision that the judge gave,” he said.
