Pistorius, Pretoria and Prosecutors
The trial of Oscar Pistorius for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp (The State vs Oscar
Pistorius) in the High Court of South Africa in Pretoria opened on 3 March 2014.
Pistorius was an athlete with a disability who completed in multiple Paralympic
Games and the 2012 Summer Olympics. Steenkamp, a model, was shot and killed
by Pistorius at his Pretoria home.
The trial commenced from 2014 to 2016, Judge Thokozile Masipa appointed two
assessors, Janette Henzen du Toit and Themba Mazibuko, to help her evaluate
the case and reach a verdict. During the trial, a witness (a neighbour of Pistorius)
confessed that she had heard a loud argument in the early hours of the morning
minutes before shots were fired.
Hereafter, state Prosecutor Gerrie Nel claimed that Pistorius had put on his
prosthetic legs, walked across hiss bedroom to the bathroom, and intentionally shot
Steenkamp through the door. Nel argued that the time required for this process
was sufficient to establish the that the murder was premeditated.
In 2016, Pistorius was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 15 years
imprisonment.
Pistorius continues with his life in prison – and in 2017 footage was released of how
he and a notorious and dangerous gang member were playing football in the
communal court yard.
In what type of ‘specialised inmate category’, set out for offenders in
correctional facilities, does Oscar Pistorius fit?
Oscar Pistorius would likely fall into the "special needs" or "specialized offender" category in correctional facilities. This category typically includes individuals with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special circumstances that require additional resources or support. Pistorius, being an athlete with a disability, would likely be considered a special needs inmate due to his prosthetic legs and any accommodations that may be necessary for his mobility and daily living.
Oscar Pistorius would likely fall into the category of "special needs inmates" or "inmates with disabilities" in correctional facilities. Given his status as an athlete with a disability, specifically his double amputation and utilization of prosthetic legs, he may require special accommodations and support to meet his specific needs while in prison. These specialized categories are designed to address the unique circumstances and challenges faced by inmates with disabilities or special needs.
To determine in which type of "specialized inmate category" Oscar Pistorius fits, we need to gather more information about the correctional policies and procedures in South Africa. It's important to note that this information might have changed since the time of Pistorius's trial and sentencing. To get an accurate answer, it is best to refer to the official regulations or guidelines from the South African Department of Correctional Services.
To find this information, you can follow these steps:
1. Visit the official website of the South African Department of Correctional Services. You can do this by searching for "South African Department of Correctional Services" on a search engine.
2. Look for the section on inmate categories or offender classification. This section will provide details about the different categories of inmates and their specific criteria.
3. Identify the specialized categories that exist within the correctional system. These categories may include options such as maximum-security inmates, inmates with special medical needs, inmates requiring protective custody, or inmates requiring specialized rehabilitation programs.
4. Look for information regarding inmates with disabilities or special needs. This might include inmates who require accommodation or support due to physical disabilities, such as Pistorius, who is an amputee.
5. Determine which specialized category aligns with the circumstances of Pistorius's disability and any other relevant factors. This could involve considering his physical needs, accessibility requirements, and any specific programs or accommodations available to inmates with disabilities.
Note that this is a general approach to finding the relevant information. The actual process may vary depending on the structure and availability of information on the department's website. It's also important to consider consulting legal sources or contacting the department directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information.