I think the criticisms of Nel are quite unfair
We can see the judge was well minded to grant bail and OP has had bail right throughout these proceedings except for when he was sentenced for CH
I agree it seems ridiculous - I would have expected jail in other countries.
But I really don't see what Nel as prosecutor can do differently - and anyway, OP is fortunate with the Court break - but he will have to serve his time eventually.
Unless he is left off by the Con Court - but in that event - he ought not to have served his time.
I agree that the Judge was seriously unimpressive.
However, I do think it sends out mixed messages, on the one hand, for the State to do everything possible to emphasise the serious criminality of OP's conduct, but then, on the other, to proceed to agree to a lighweight punishment like house arrest.
I wonder what the SCA makes of this outcome, after it took such pains to hold OP accountable.
Perhaps, as you say, Nel was in a difficult position. I presume that he may have been trying to avoid the prospect of an order for costs against the State, which might have happened, had there been a fully contested, but, ultimately unsuccessful, bail application.
What is absolutely certain is that justice is not being seen to be done. IMO, this outcome is an insult to Reeva's parents - the message being that their daughter's life wasn't even worth a couple of years of OP's.
