Pistorius supporters react to manslaughter verdict

Supporters of Oscar Pistorius have voiced their support and prayers for the South African athlete on social media after he was found guilty of culpable homicide (manslaughter) in the death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Messages were left on a Facebook page entitled Support For Oscar from fans wishing to express their backing for Pistorius who is currently awaiting sentencing by the South African court.

The page has over 11,000 likes and has provided minute-by-minute accounts of the Judge Thokozile Masipa's verdicts on the charges against Pistorius.

It has been awash with messages from well wishers in the last few days.

One said: (sic) "O please, set him free...this man has endured enough......"

"God does not sleep and will help him, he is not a common criminal , just involved in a terribly sad situation," posted another.

Many have also expressed their sympathy for the family of Reeva Steenkamp.

Messages of support were also posted on Twitter with many using the hashtag #SupportForOscar.

For You Sanctuary. May the Lord Keep You Safe In His Arms #OscarPistorius #SupportForOscar pic.twitter.com/mt5PzrMCxh

— Michele Welch (@camdengirl67) September 12, 2014

Since the arrest of Pistorius in connection with Steenkamp's death, a number of blogs and websites have sprung up online by fans who call themselves 'Pistorians'.

Many of the pages have a Christian slant. Pistorius' Aunt, Lois, told the Guardian newspaper in June that the Paralympian had been reading the bible and attending church before his trial began.

Meanwhile the International Paralympic Committee has said it will allow Pistorius to race again.

In an interview with BBC Radio Five Live Craig Spence, director of media and communications at IPC said: "Oscar's done a great deal for the Paralympic movement, he's been an inspiration to millions, but obviously his priority now is to see (what) the judge decides. And then if he wishes to resume his athletics career then we wouldn't step in his way, we would allow him to compete again in the future."

The 27-year-old awaits sentencing on the manslaughter verdict after being cleared of two murder charges yesterday.