Oscar Pistorius, the double amputee who is serving a six-year jail term for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp was secretly granted compassionate leave to attend his grandmother’s burial.
The 29 year-old was allowed to travel to a boutique hotel under armed guard for four hours.
This move has sparked outrage in South Africa, as many are of the opinion that Pistorius is receiving preferential treatment due to white privilege.
Critics have said that the same treatment and measure wouldn’t have been granted to other prisoners, especially non-white ones.
One woman, Zamachibi Mthabela, wrote online: “It’s so nice being a white male murderer in South Africa.”
Manelisi Wolela, from the Correctional Services Department, however confirmed that ‘good conduct and behaviour’ was a factor in Pistorius being granted compassionate leave.
He told Mail Online: “Mr Pistorius’ request for compassionate leave was granted as he is classified low risk.” (It was) introduced primarily to encourage offenders towards good behaviour, to instil a sense of responsibility in them and to ensure that their interest and co-operation in the corrections and social reintegration programmes, while ensuring that public safety is not compromised.
Leave a Reply