South African minister 'extremely disappointed' after Pistorius was acquitted of killing Steenkamp

In light of Paralympic runner Oscar Pistorius being acquitted of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, a South African minister has said that it is extremely disappointing.

Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga said that she thought the judgement was based on technicalities, and not on facts. Steenkamp's parents have also said that justice was not served.

Judge Thokozile Masipa found Pistorius guilty of the lesser charge of culpable homicide. She said the state had failed to prove Pistorius intended to kill, The BBC reported.

Motshekga, who is also president of the governing ANC women's league, said that she believed ordinary women in the country would now not feel that the law protects them.

She also said that she found Pistorius' version of events implausible and added that she hoped the state would appeal against the verdict.

South Africa's prosecuting authority has said that it would wait until after sentencing to decide whether to appeal. Pistorius faces up to 15 years in jail, although the judge could suspend the sentence or only impose a fine.

Pistorius has been allowed bail ahead of sentencing on 13 October, the report added.