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.
4.1. In what type of ‘specialised inmate category’, set out for offenders in correctional facilities, does Oscar Pistorius fit? [1]
4.2. Identify and elaborate on the different role players in the abovementioned trial process of State vs Pistorius [6]
4.3. By referencing two sources, provide a definition for the concept ‘gang’
4.1. Oscar Pistorius would likely fit into the category of "disabled inmates" or "inmates with disabilities" in correctional facilities.
4.2. The different role players in the trial process of State vs Pistorius include:
- Judge Thokozile Masipa: She presided over the trial and ultimately delivered the verdict and sentencing.
- Prosecutors (State): Gerrie Nel was the lead prosecutor in the case against Pistorius. It was their responsibility to present the evidence, question witnesses, and argue for Pistorius's guilt.
- Defence team: Pistorius's defence team, led by Barry Roux, consisted of legal professionals who presented Pistorius's side of the story and argued for his innocence.
- Witnesses: Various witnesses, including neighbors, friends, and experts, were called to testify and provide evidence for both the prosecution and defence.
- Assessors: Judge Masipa appointed two assessors, Janette Henzen du Toit and Themba Mazibuko, to assist her in evaluating the evidence and reaching a verdict.
- Media: The trial attracted significant media attention, with journalists and reporters covering the proceedings and providing updates to the public.
4.3. Definition of 'gang':
According to Merriam-Webster, a gang is "a group of persons working together to unlawful or antisocial ends; specifically: a band of antisocial adolescents."
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a gang is "an organized group of criminals or delinquents."
These definitions highlight that a gang is a group of individuals working together for illegal or antisocial purposes.
4.1. Based on the provided information, it is not explicitly mentioned in what type of 'specialized inmate category' Oscar Pistorius fits. Without further information, it cannot be determined which specific category he falls under within the correctional facility.
4.2. The different role players in the trial process of State vs Pistorius are as follows:
a) Judge Thokozile Masipa: She presided over the trial and was responsible for making legal rulings, overseeing court proceedings, and ultimately delivering the verdict.
b) Prosecution: The state prosecutor, Gerrie Nel, represented the government and presented the case against Pistorius. Their role was to gather evidence, question witnesses, and argue for Pistorius's guilt.
c) Defense: Pistorius's defense team, led by Barry Roux, represented him and presented his case. Their role was to challenge the prosecution's evidence, question witnesses, and argue for Pistorius's innocence or a lesser charge.
d) Assessors: Judge Masipa appointed two assessors, Janette Henzen du Toit and Themba Mazibuko, to assist her in evaluating the case. The assessors provided their opinions and insights but did not have a vote in the final verdict.
e) Witnesses: Various witnesses, including neighbors, friends, experts, and forensic investigators, were called to testify by both the prosecution and defense. Their role was to provide evidence and information relevant to the case.
f) Jury: In South Africa, trials are usually decided by a judge rather than a jury. However, the system of having assessors is somewhat similar to having a jury.
4.3. Definition of 'gang':
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a gang is "a group of people, especially young people, who associate closely, often exclusively, for social reasons, especially to commit crimes or engage in antisocial behavior."
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a gang is "an organized group of criminals or unruly people."
Please note that the provided definitions are general in nature and may vary in specific contexts.
To find the answer to question 4.1, we can examine the information provided in the given context. It mentions that Oscar Pistorius continues with his life in prison and footage was released of him playing football with a dangerous gang member in the communal courtyard. From this information, we can infer that Pistorius may be classified within a specialized inmate category that accommodates offenders associated with gangs or who are deemed high-risk.
To confirm this information and provide a more specific answer, you can consult official documents or reports from the correctional facility where he is serving his sentence. These documents would likely outline the different inmate categories and clarify which category Pistorius falls under.
Moving on to question 4.2, which asks about the role players in the trial process of State vs Pistorius, we can identify several key individuals:
1. The Defendant: Oscar Pistorius, who was charged with the murder of Reeva Steenkamp in the High Court of South Africa in Pretoria.
2. The Judge: Judge Thokozile Masipa, who presided over the trial and was responsible for evaluating the evidence and reaching a verdict.
3. The Assessors: Janette Henzen du Toit and Themba Mazibuko were appointed by Judge Masipa to assist her in evaluating the case and reaching a verdict. Assessors are individuals with expertise in specific areas who provide guidance to the judge in complex cases.
4. The Prosecutor: Gerrie Nel, who represented the state and presented the case against Pistorius. He argued that Pistorius intentionally shot Steenkamp through the bathroom door.
5. Witnesses: Several individuals were called to testify during the trial, including neighbors, friends, forensic experts, and other relevant parties.
6. Defense Team: Legal representatives of Oscar Pistorius who presented his defense and challenged the prosecution's case.
These are the primary role players involved in the trial process. Further details and elaboration can be obtained by studying the trial transcripts, court records, or official reports on the trial.
For question 4.3, which asks for a definition of the concept 'gang,' we can refer to two different sources to provide a comprehensive definition. Here are two possible sources to consider:
1. Dictionary Definition: A dictionary, such as Merriam-Webster or Oxford English Dictionary, can provide a general definition of the term 'gang.' It typically describes a gang as a group of individuals, often with a specific identifying name or symbol, who engage in criminal activities or violence and may have a hierarchical structure or shared interests.
2. Legal definition: In a legal context, government websites or official documents related to criminal law or law enforcement may provide a more specific definition of a gang. These definitions may highlight additional criteria, such as the involvement in organized crime, the existence of a formal hierarchy, and the intent to control territory or engage in criminal activities for financial gain.
By consulting these sources, you can gather information that will allow you to provide a comprehensive definition of the concept 'gang' for question 4.3.