Pistorius, Pretoria and Prosecutors

Question

The trial of Oscar Pistorius for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp (The State vs Oscar Pistorius) in the High Court of South Africa in Pretoria opened on 3 March 2014. Pistorius was an athlete with a disability who completed in multiple Paralympic Games and the 2012 Summer Olympics. Steenkamp, a model, was shot and killed by Pistorius at his Pretoria home.
The trial commenced from 2014 to 2016, Judge Thokozile Masipa appointed two assessors, Janette Henzen du Toit and Themba Mazibuko, to help her evaluate the case and reach a verdict. During the trial, a witness (a neighbour of Pistorius) confessed that she had heard a loud argument in the early hours of the morning minutes before shots were fired.
Hereafter, state Prosecutor Gerrie Nel claimed that Pistorius had put on his prosthetic legs, walked across hiss bedroom to the bathroom, and intentionally shot Steenkamp through the door. Nel argued that the time required for this process was sufficient to establish the that the murder was premeditated.
In 2016, Pistorius was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
Pistorius continues with his life in prison – and in 2017 footage was released of how he and a notorious and dangerous gang member were playing football in the communal court yard.

4.1. In what type of ‘specialised inmate category’, set out for offenders in correctional facilities, does Oscar Pistorius fit? [1]

4.2. Identify and elaborate on the different role players in the abovementioned trial process of State vs Pistorius [6]

4.3. By referencing two sources, provide a definition for the concept ‘gang’

Answer 1

4.1. Oscar Pistorius would likely fall under the category of "disabled offender" or "inmate with a disability" in correctional facilities.

4.2. The different role players in the trial process of State vs Pistorius include:

- Judge Thokozile Masipa: She presided over the trial and made the final judgement.
- Prosecution team: Led by state prosecutor Gerrie Nel, they presented the case against Pistorius and argued for his guilt.
- Defense team: Led by defense lawyer Barry Roux, they argued for Pistorius's innocence and presented evidence in his favor.
- Assessors: Judge Masipa appointed two assessors, Janette Henzen du Toit and Themba Mazibuko, to help her evaluate the evidence and reach a verdict.
- Witnesses: Various witnesses were called to testify, including neighbors, friends, and experts who provided information relevant to the case.
- Reeva Steenkamp's family: They were present throughout the trial and sought justice for their daughter's death.
- Media: The trial received significant media attention, with journalists reporting on the proceedings and influencing public opinion.

4.3. The concept of a "gang" can be defined as a group or organization, typically composed of individuals with a shared identity or purpose, that engages in criminal or illicit activities. One source, Merriam-Webster, defines a gang as "a group of persons working together to unlawful or antisocial ends" (Merriam-Webster). Another source, Collins Dictionary, defines a gang as "a group of criminals or hoodlums who band together for mutual protection and profit" (Collins Dictionary).