Oscar Pistorius treated for wrist injuries, denies suicide attempt

South African athlete Oscar Pistorius, serving six years in jail for murdering his girlfriend, was treated in hospital for minor wrist injuries on Saturday before being returned to custody, a prison service spokesman said.

The Paralympic gold medallist, who had his term for the Valentine's Day 2013 killing of Reeva Steenkamp increased to six years in July, denied he had tried to kill himself, the spokesman for the department of correctional services said on Sunday.

South African prosecutors have said they will appeal against the six-year term, which they called "shockingly lenient".

Newspaper City Press earlier said Pistorius, known as Blade Runner for the carbon-fibre prosthetics he wore when racing, was rushed to hospital around midday on Saturday.

It quoted a security guard as saying: "He had bad cuts on his wrists and the doctors kept wrapping bandages around them."

An inmate situated close to the hospital section told the paper Pistorius had injured himself intentionally, and it quoted two warders with knowledge of the section as saying razor blades were found in his cell.

Asked to comment, Pistorius' family spokeswoman Anneliese Burgess told Reuters there would be no statement at this stage.

related articles
Pistorius sentence: Too lenient? Too harsh? Why do you even care?
Pistorius sentence: Too lenient? Too harsh? Why do you even care?

Pistorius sentence: Too lenient? Too harsh? Why do you even care?

Pistorius trial: Christian faith means 'it is right to forgive Oscar', Steenkamp's father tells court

Pistorius trial: Christian faith means 'it is right to forgive Oscar', Steenkamp's father tells court

Oscar Pistorius sentenced to six years for murder
Oscar Pistorius sentenced to six years for murder

Oscar Pistorius sentenced to six years for murder

News
A brief history of Christmas bans
A brief history of Christmas bans

These days, Christmas is hard to miss and nearly impossible to avoid. But at various times it has been banned in different countries, including Britain. This is the story …

Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact
Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact

Organisers of this year's Shine Your Light Christmas evangelistic outreach have been "overwhelmed" by the response from local churches.

Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone
Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone

People are being urged to reach out after polling suggested 1.8 million UK adults will spend Christmas Day alone, even though they do not want to.

Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church
Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church

For Christians sheltering in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, there will be few comforts this Christmas.