The mother of Reeva Steenkamp believes Oscar Pistorius’ upgraded charge to murder means her family has ‘got respect’.

The former Olympian and Paralympian was not present in South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal on Thursday – he is under house arrest – but faces a return to prison for at least 15 years after he was found guilty of murder.

Pistorius was initially convicted of culpable homicide.

• Oscar Pistorius convicted of murder on appeal
• Prosecutors seek Pistorius murder charge
• Oscar Pistorius released after one year in prison

Less than a year into his five-year sentence for that charge, Pistorius – who shot Reeva Steenkamp dead through a door and claimed she was an intruder – was released on house arrest.

Speaking to Sky News, June Steenkamp, Reeva’s mother, felt the new decision was right.

“We’ve got justice,” Ms Steenkamp said.

“We’ve got respect for Reeva. We’ve got respect for women.

“I really don’t care how long it (Pistorius’ sentence) is, as long as he pays for what he’s done and takes responsibility for what happened.

“He’s got to take responsibility for what he’s done.

“But there’s no winners here. We miss her every day. We long for her every day. She was a joy in our life and that has gone out.”

In a statement, Pistorius’ family said: “We have taken note of the judgment that has just been handed down by the supreme court of appeal.

“The legal team will study the finding and we will be guided by them in terms of options going forward.

“We will not be commenting any further at this stage.”