Don’t destroy Oscar
JOBURG - A probation officer of the correctional service department recommended to the court that Oscar Pistorius be put on correctional supervision, that is, house arrest.
Officer Joel Maringa described Pistorius as a “co-operative person and sociable and is a first time offender. …but the accused should be declared unfit to possess a firearm, not drink or commit more crimes”. He added that should the accused break any of the conditions, he would be brought back to court for a stiffer sentence, but he should not be destroyed. Maringa added that correctional supervision was a three-year sentence.
State prosecutor Gerrie Nel challenged this recommendation saying the three-year sentence did not take into account the “degree of culpability” or the pain and loss felt by the Steenkamp family.
Pistorius’ manager, Peet van Zyl, told the court that Oscar was a UN Goodwill ambassador and was involved in many organisations that helped children with disabilities. The list of organisations he had worked with included, Reach For A Dream, Nike, Oakley, and families with disabled children who have asked for his help.
“Oscar has inspired people all over the world,” he said. “Some people have touched him in wonder that a man with no legs can run.”
Van Zyl manager said all Pistorius’ sponsorship contracts and endorsements had been terminated, and Pistorius had not spoken to him about any plans to get his career back on track. Pistorius had planned to retire from professional sporting engagements in 2017.
Court has adjourned till 14 October at 9am.
