STELLENBOSCH, South Africa - Prosecutors say they have filed appeal papers against the verdict and sentence in the Oscar Pistorius case.

Pistorius jailed for five years for Steenkamp killing

The prosecution is appealing against Judge Thokozile Masipa's decision to acquit Pistorius of murder for shooting girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Masipa instead found the Olympic runner guilty of a lesser charge of culpable homicide, or manslaughter.

South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority says it filed initial appeal papers Tuesday _ exactly two weeks after the double-amputee athlete was sentenced to five years in prison for killing Steenkamp.

Prosecutors must first apply to Judge Masipa for permission to appeal against the verdict and sentence she decided on.

Prosecutors have said they believe Pistorius should have been found guilty of murder. He would face a minimum of 15 years in prison if convicted of murder on appeal.