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 fit into the category of "disabled inmates" or "inmates with disabilities" 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 ultimately delivered the verdict and sentencing.
- Prosecutors (State): Gerrie Nel was the lead prosecutor in the case against Pistorius. It was their responsibility to present the evidence, question witnesses, and argue for Pistorius's guilt.
- Defence team: Pistorius's defence team, led by Barry Roux, consisted of legal professionals who presented Pistorius's side of the story and argued for his innocence.
- Witnesses: Various witnesses, including neighbors, friends, and experts, were called to testify and provide evidence for both the prosecution and defence.
- Assessors: Judge Masipa appointed two assessors, Janette Henzen du Toit and Themba Mazibuko, to assist her in evaluating the evidence and reaching a verdict.
- Media: The trial attracted significant media attention, with journalists and reporters covering the proceedings and providing updates to the public.

4.3. Definition of 'gang':

According to Merriam-Webster, a gang is "a group of persons working together to unlawful or antisocial ends; specifically: a band of antisocial adolescents."

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a gang is "an organized group of criminals or delinquents."

These definitions highlight that a gang is a group of individuals working together for illegal or antisocial purposes.