APRIL 18: Convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius during his appearance at the High Court on 18 April, 2016 in Pretoria South Africa for a postponement of his sentencing hearing. The sentencing was postponed to the 13th of June. (Photo by Gallo Images / Alon Skuy)
Oscar Pistorius given compassionate leave to attend grandmother’s funeral
Compassionate leave isn’t that unusual.
APRIL 18: Convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius during his appearance at the High Court on 18 April, 2016 in Pretoria South Africa for a postponement of his sentencing hearing. The sentencing was postponed to the 13th of June. (Photo by Gallo Images / Alon Skuy)
Oscar Pistorius was allowed to briefly leave jail on Wednesday to attend his gran’s funeral, local media reported. Prison officials joined Pistorius at the funeral.
YOU reported that Joyce Bekker, 93, died of old age-related complications.
Compassionate leave is not unusual
Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed to eNCA.com that Pistorius was granted the leave, but that he was back in his prison cell at the Atteridgeville Correctional Centre in Pretoria by 13:20.
“Offenders have to apply for permission for compassionate leave to attend a funeral of a direct family member. Pistorius applied and was granted permission,” said Nxumalo.
Compassionate leave is also granted to inmates if a direct family member is suffering from a serious illness and may be thought to be dying.
What factors are considered when granting compassionate leave?
According to ENCA, good behavior and conduct are all taken to account. The risk element is also a factor. “Medium to low risk” inmates can be considered, while “high risk” inmates are not, due to the possibility of escaping.
Pistorius is serving a six-year prison sentence for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013.
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