The five justices in Oscar appeal

Pistorius’s fate will be decided by Judge President Lex Mpati, Nonkosi Mhlanthla, Eric Leach, Steven Majiedt and Elizabeth Baartman.

Earlier today, the legal panel heard arguments from both the state's Gerrie Nel and defence's Barry Roux in Bloemfontein's Supreme Court of Appeal. 

We've compiled a profile of each of the main Justices presiding in the appeal. 

Eric Lorimer Leach 

• Born on 17 August 1952 in Port Elizabeth. 
• Matriculated from Hilton College, KZN. 
• Qualifications - BA (1972) Rhodes, LLB (1974) UKZN, Pietermartizburg
• Leach was Acting Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal in 2008 and became Judge of Appeal in 2009.

Arnold Stevan Majiedt

• Born 18 December 1960, Kenhardt, Northern Cape.
• Matriculated from William Pescod High, Kimberley.
• Qualifications - BA (Law) (1981) University of the Western Cape, LLB (1983) University of the Western Cape.
• Majiedt was the Judge of the High Court in Kimberley from 2000 to 2010. He has occupied the role of Judge of Appeal in the Supreme Court of Appeal since December 2010.

Zoliswa Nonkosi Mhlantla

• Born 2 May 1964, Port Elizabeth.
• Matriculated from Kenneth Masekela High School, Kwa-Thema, Springs.
• Qualifications - B Proc (1987) University of the North, Limpopo.
• Roles include Acting Judge, of the Constitutional Court in 2012 and Judge of Appeal, Supreme Court of Appeal since 2009. 

Lex Mpati

• Born 5 September 1949, Durban.
• Matriculated from Mary Waters High School, Grahamstown.
• Qualifications - BA (1981) Rhodes University, LLB (1983) Rhodes University, LLD (Honoris Causa) - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
• Mpati's most recent role is Acting Judge of the Constitutional Court from 1 June 2007 to 30 November 2007. He's been president of Supreme Court of Appeal since 15 August 2008.

(File photo: Gallo Images)