‘A wonderful story’: ‘Reformed’ Oscar Pistorius recruits gang leader

Oscar Pistorius has been accused of not being “remorseful” after murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp a decade ago. But according to his father, Henke, the former Paralympian has turned to God and is a “changed man.”

In fact, the father of the convicted killer claims that Pistorius is even a leader of a prayer group for hardened criminals.

The 36-year-old recently became eligible for parole after serving half his 13-year and five-month murder sentence. This week, his attorney confirmed the news that a parole board would consider Pistorius’s application for an early release.

ALSO READ: Pistorius parole: Police fear ‘hitmen’ may avenge Reeva’s murder

OSCAR PISTORIUS ‘RECRUITS’ GANG LEADER

Speaking to The Times, Oscar Pistorius’s father Henke gave insight into his life behind bars – currently at Atteridge prison in Pretoria.

According to Henke, Oscar leads a study and prayer group and has even “recruited a violent gang member.”

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Henk said: “’I have no doubt that Oscar has changed the environment in the prison for the better.

“He is helping to mediate between people and is having a positive influence. He can feel he is making a difference to others who really needed a difference to be made — to give their lives meaning, purpose, and some hope. 

“As a result, things have also improved for him. It’s a wonderful story.”

ALSO READ: ‘Forgave him, take it back’: Reeva’s parents reject Pistorius parole

A REFORMED CONVICT?

Henke’s account comes amid prison officials, social workers, and psychologists also supporting Oscar Pistorius’s parole application.

While Pistorius gets his ducks in a row over the possibility of an early release, officials have offered insight into his life behind bars.

The 35-year-old has reportedly been keeping himself busy by joining a book club, working as a cleaner, and being allocated as a tractor driver, according to his unit manager, whom News24 refers to as Mrs Makgatho.

ALSO READ: ‘Trustworthy, positive’: Why officials claim Oscar Pistorius deserves parole

She told the publication of Pistorius: “He is a trustworthy individual who can defuse tense situations.”

She added that he was  “ready to be re-integrated into society and will be a positive influence in the community.” This after she claims he reportedly attended his recommended programmes as part of his sentence.

Also recommending Pistorius’s early release on parole was Atterridge prison’s sports, arts, recreation, and culture coordinator, TP Hlako.

ALSO READ: ‘I don’t want to see him’: Reeva’s mom refused Oscar Pistorius parole meet

“I can gladly say without fear nor contradiction that he [Pistorius] will be able to contain himself outside if faced with challenges,” Hlako told News24.

“We have managed to train him on how to deal with all types of anxiety that are negative. It is, therefore, my submission that should an opportunity arise for him to be given a chance to finish the remainder of his sentence outside, he should be granted such.”

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