Oscar Pistorius: the story of his life inside prison
The story of South African sprint runner Oscar Pistorius’ life continues to unfold in a maximum security prison after his early release was declined by South Africa's justice minister yesterday, with two officers from the correctional services arm now going public with fascinating insights about the Blade Runner's life behind bars.
Pistorius, who was sentenced to prison for five years after he was found guilty of the negligent killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013, complained about many things in prison to the members of an independent inspection arm of correctional services.
Two officers part of this arm, named Violet Ngobeni and Boitumelo Morake, said they met Pistorius multiple times. In an exclusive interview with CNN, Ngobeni reported that Pistorius was extremely annoyed when they met for the first time outside Kgosi Mampuru II prison. Pistorius didn’t want to talk to anyone, he added.
Both Ngobeni and Morake conceded that Pistorius struggled very hard to survive in the prison, especially during his initial days when he had to spend almost 23 hours a day inside. However, they said that they have noticed a huge transformation in Pistorius’ attitude.
"Now he can sit down and discuss and laugh at the same time," Ngobeni said. He also said that gradually Pistorius started sharing his complaints with them.
Murasiet Mentoor, the regional manager of the Judicial Inspectorate, said authorities from correctional services built a bath in his cell after he complained of not being able to take a bath, and even changed his bed and gym equipments after he was found to be dissatisfied with them.
Mentoor pointed out that Pistorius also complained about food, fearing it was poisoned and could lead to ill health or his death. Pistorius was also allowed to cook by the prison authorities but he insisted on only having processed food from the prison store.
It has been reported that Pistorius, who is a double amputee since he was 11 months old, was kept in the hospital wing of the prison, where he had his own cell and separate toilet. "When you go there, at the hospital section, it is very secure and where he is, it is very clean. It's nice and neat," Morake added.
It is believed that Pistorius’ high profile and disability put him in an advantageous position and left no choice for the hospital wing of the prison but to put him in special housing, reported CNN. Mentoor added that prison inmates always tend to target famous people if they are put together.
In the general prison, overcrowding is also a huge problem. Sometimes, more than 50 inmates can be squeezed in a cell that is actually meant for 30.
Ngobeni and Morake said they met Pistorius a few days ago when he still believed that he would be released on Friday, where they had discussions about his release. Pistorius also told them that he missed his family and couldn’t wait any longer to spend more time with them.
He also spoke about his friends and how eager he was to go out and see them again. However, with the announcements of the delay in Pistorius’ early release, his plans have been put on hold.
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