South African 'Bull Dog' prosecutor made famous by Pistorius trial resigns

State prosecutor Gerrie Nel is seen during an appeal hearing brought by prosecutors against the six year jail term handed to Oscar Pistorius for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, in Johannesburg, South Africa, August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Themba Hadebe/Pool

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African prosecutor Gerrie Nel, who oversaw the conviction of Paralympian Oscar Pistorius, has resigned from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), its spokesman said on Tuesday.

Lead prosecutor Nel is a veteran lawyer known for his ability to take on the powerful and politically connected. His biggest scalp is former police chief and Interpol head Jackie Selebi, who was convicted of corruption in 2010.