Pistorius sentencing: Clean museum for 16 hours - one suggestion

Pistorius faces sentencing in a South African court after being convicted of culpable homicide for killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Photo / AP

A South African prison official has recommended that star Paralympian Oscar Pistorius clean a Pretoria museum for 16 hours a month as punishment for shooting dead his lover Reeva Steenkamp.

Joel Maringa, a social worker in South Africa's notoriously crowded and brutal jails, told a sentencing hearing that Pistorius should not go to jail, but receive "correctional supervision" for three years under house arrest.

Pistorius was found guilty last month of negligently killing his girlfriend in the early hours of Valentine's Day 2013.

The 27-year-old double amputee was cleared of the more serious charge of murder, a verdict that shocked the country and fuelled criticism of South Africa's legal system.

He could face up to 15 years in prison or could dodge a jail term altogether with a non-custodial sentence.

"The accused will benefit from correctional supervision," said Maringa, adding that "he will get an opportunity to restructure and modify his behaviour".

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel described Maringa's suggestion as "shockingly inappropriate".

Reeva's father Barry Steenkamp held his head with his hand as Maringa spoke.

A friend of Reeva's, Desi Myers, expressed her disbelief at the community service suggestion, saying: "I don't want to think, I don't want to talk."

Maringa was one of three witnesses called by Pistorius's defence lawyers on Monday.

His agent testified about his charity work and earlier Pistorius's therapist told the court that he suffered genuine remorse after shooting dead Steenkamp.

Pistorius entered the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria amid tight security for the start of the sentencing hearing, which is expected to run for most of the week.

Lawyer David Dadic - who is not involved in the case - said the defence will "heavily expand on their trial argument regarding Oscar's remorsefulness".

"The biggest factor, however, which the defence will raise is, of course, the fact that Oscar is a first time offender," he added.

In turn, the state will call witnesses to testify on why he should serve the stiffest penalty, raising the issue of his history of negligence with firearms.

The sentencing hearing will continue later tonight NZ time.

- AFP