The defence team lodged papers with the court stating they intend opposing the appeal application.

PRETORIA - Oscar Pistorius's legal team has served official notice to prosecutor Gerrie Nel and his team, informing the state that attempts to appeal the athlete's conviction and sentence will be opposed.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that the notice was sent this morning.

Pistorius is serving a five year sentence for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp last year, a punishment which the state has described as "shockingly inappropriate".

The NPA's Nathi Mncube says the documents filed today are merely a notice of intention and do not spell out the grounds upon which the defence will oppose the appeal application.

The state hopes to convince Judge Thokozile Masipa that a different court may reach a different verdict and has challenged her interpretation of the legal principle of dolus eventualis.

The judge is yet to inform both sides when she will be free to hear oral arguments.