Oscar Pistorius was secretly freed to join his family at a boutique hotel for a memorial service for his grandmother, prison bosses have confirmed. The 29-year-old killer was allowed out of his maximum security prison for four hours last Friday, under armed guard, for the celebration of Gerti Pistorius's life. The shamed Olympian was given 'compassionate leave' to attend the event because he is considered 'low risk' by management at Kgosi Mampuru jail, where he is serving six years for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The sprinter was one of Mrs Pistorius' 26 grandchildren. As news of Pistorius' leave emerged, reaction appeared predominantly negative amid accusations that the athlete's 'white privilege' and status had led to him getting special treatment.
One woman, Zamachibi Mthabela, wrote online: 'It's so nice being a white male murderer in South Africa.'
Another Facebook user said: 'Disgusted! Many murderers get denied to even attend their own mothers' funerals. Only for the white rich murderers I see.'
Siphiwe Nqiwa added: 'White privilege is so nice.'
A source close to the family confirmed the double amputee was 'devastated' at hearing of the death of the 93-year-old he called 'oumi', and immediately applied for permission to attend her memorial service, which was held at a discreet hotel just a few miles from his cramped cell. His 'good conduct and behaviour' was a factor in authorities granting his compassionate leave, Manelisi Wolela, from the correctional services department confirmed.
'Mr Pistorius' request for compassionate leave was granted as he is classified low risk,' Mr Wolela told MailOnline.
He said the policy to allow offenders' special privileges was 'introduced primarily to encourage offenders towards good behaviour, to instill 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.'
cry cry Oscar
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