Convicted murderer and former Olympian Oscar “Bladerunner” Pistorius has been warned he could become a target for assassination after his release from prison this Friday, sources say.
Police are alleged to have told Pistorius they could kill him in retaliation for his murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The threats are said to come from underworld figures who are reported to be sympathetic to the family of the murdered girl.
Pistorius will stay in a three-story cabin, or mansion, in the fortified compound that belongs to his uncle Arnold, in Pretoria, South Africa. The complex has armed guards, electronic defenses and reportedly several “attack dogs.” It is situated in the exclusive suburb of Waterkloof, an area known for hosting embassies, overlooking Pretoria.
Steenkamp’s father Barry died last year, but his mother June criticized Pistorius for never showing remorse. The double amputee killed Steenkamp by firing four bullets from a pistol through the door of a bathroom where she was sitting.
Pistorius claimed he was woken up by a noise and thought she was an intruder. Neighbors claimed they heard an argument coming from the direction of the home before hearing the gunshots. Prosecutors said Steenkamp was hiding from Pistorius in the bathroom.
Pressure group Women for Change tweeted this week: “Oscar Pistorius is a murderer and should be behind bars to serve his full sentence. Justice was never served. He never took account.”
Oscar “Bladerunner” Pistorius has been warned he could become a target for assassination. REUTERS
During the murder trial, a self-confessed hitman and alleged friend of the Steenkamps appeared one day and was seen on Fox News Digital staring intently at Pistorius in court, but said nothing in the courtroom and would not speak to this reporter outside.
Pistorius will be released from prison and taken directly to his uncle’s house.
Singabakho Nxumalo of the Department of Correctional Services appeared to lend credence to the alleged threat to Pistorius’ life in a statement when he said: “Details in terms of transport plans and release time will not be made public. Revealing such details may result in a threat to the safety of the inmate and other stakeholders involved.”
His statement continued: “South Africa opted for a victim-centred criminal justice system. As a result, inmates and parolees are never paraded. Therefore, media who choose to camp outside any correctional facility cannot be prevented from carrying out their work, as per their duty, but would not be able to obtain footage or moving images of Pistorius.”
New York Post cover of February 20, 2013. rich
Part of the terms of Pistorius’ parole state that he cannot benefit in any way from Steenkamp’s death. So, officially, there are no big checks for a TV or book deal. The Correctional Services statement added: “Like other detainees on parole, Pistorius is prohibited from conducting media interviews. The general conditions of parole will apply to Pistorius. For example, he is expected to be home at certain times of the day. He will not be able to consume alcohol or other prohibited substances.”
And then there is the question of anger management.
In court, a text from Steenkamp to Pistorius was read that said: “Sometimes I’m afraid of you, the way you attack me.”
Pistorius won gold for South Africa in the men’s 400 meters T44 final at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. AP
In the months before Steenkamp’s death, a friend of Pistorius was reportedly worried about his temper attacks and whether he should be allowed to have a licensed firearm.
The man spoke to Fox News Digital anonymously, for his personal safety.
It is unclear whether any anger issues have been resolved, but the parole conditions also include that Pistorius must attend anger management training. He will be on parole until at least the end of 2029.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn