Oscar’s first day behind bars

Arnold Pistorius, uncle of Oscar, speaks on behalf of the Pistorius family.

BLADE Runner Oscar Pistorius will spend at least the next 10 months behind the imposing walls of the Kgosi Mampuru II prison.

Close to the centre of Pretoria, the reputation of the jail — formerly known as Pretoria Central Prison — precedes it.

Behind its walls live 7000 prisoners, serving time for offences big and small, thieves and murderers.

It is a place where gangs reign supreme. The head of a gang known as the 26s has already, through the media, threatened retribution for Pistorius if he gets any special treatment.

But authorities have said he will be looked after.

Following his sentence Pistorius was lead down the stairs from the courtroom to the holding cells, and then driven to the jail.

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Jail bound ... Oscar Pistorius holds the hands of family members as he is taken down to the holding cells after being sentenced to five years imprisonment. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

It is understood that within six hours of arriving at the jail he would then be processed and undergo an assessment of where best he would be housed within the prison.

Prison life would be explained to him and he will undergo an induction process.

Authorities have already indicated to the court that Pistorius will be sent to the jail's hospital wing, which has the facilities available to cope with his disability.

Taken away ... Oscar Pistorius is seen through the grid of a police van ready to be transported to King Kgosi Mampuru prison from the High Court in Pretoria. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

There had been reports on the weekend that a special cell, in the second highest security rated section of the jail had been prepared for him. But authorities denied this.

In the hospital section there are 22 single cells, of which seven are currently occupied.

Oscar's new home ... a general view of the prison in Pretoria, South Africa. Source: Supplied

Each cell has a toilet, a basin, a bed with a mattress and blankets, sheets and pillow, a cupboard. The hospital section has showers with rails and baths.

There is one jail doctor for the 7000 prisoners and about five psychologists. Private doctors are able to visit at the inmate's own expense.

The visit room ... at Kgosi Mampuru Prison formerly Pretoria Central Prison. Source: Supplied

Those prisoners too ill have their food delivered to them, others get it for themselves.

And a range of programs are offered to prisoners — anger management, life skills, substance abuse, marriage and family counselling, formal and higher education, skills development such as spray painting, mechanics, engineering. There are also job opportunities, like working

in the textile or furniture workshops or gardening.

7000 prisoners ... this is where Oscar Pistorius will spend at least 10 months being he is eligible for parole. Source: Supplied

And if Pistorius wants to keep up his sport and training there is a main gym and a smaller gym at the hospital. There are also athletics, soccer, rugby and boxing for him to take part in.

He will only be allowed two visits per week — on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays.

A sign at the visiting section door says that prisoners in A Group are allowed visits of 60 minutes, those in B Group are 45 minutes and C group are allowed only 30 minutes per visit.

The visiting area is sparse — wooden benches with very little else. It is not clear which category Pistorius' visitors will fall under.

The court has already heard that Pistorius, a double-amputee who uses prosthetic legs, would be kept in a cell in the prison's hospital section.

Behind bars ... the notice board in the jail visit area at Kgosi Mampuru Prison. Source: Supplied

It is deemed this would be more appropriate as the section has showers with rails and baths and would be the most appropriate place for someone with Pistorius' disability.

Much of the week-long sentence hearing was taken up with debate over the parlous or otherwise state of South Africa's prisons and whether Pistorius can be afforded basic human rights, given his disability, if he is sent to one.

Pistorius' side called a probation officer to say no. The State countered, in a clever move, by calling the boss of Correctional Services himself.

On his way ... South African Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius escorted to a police van after being sentenced at the High Court in Pretoria. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Moleko Zac Modise, the acting national commissioner for Correctional Services, was not happy that his prisons had been pilloried in the court and the international media.

And he ensured the Honourable Court that if Pistorius was sentenced to jail at Pretoria Central that that he will "absolutely" be treated humanely and "we would ensure that his human rights are respected".

Heavily guarded ... the vehicle carrying Oscar Pistorius, drives from the court in Pretoria, South Africa. Picture: AP Source: AP

Despite wardens who had called Pistorius' lawyer Barry Roux to tell of the situation in jails and lawyers who told the media of clients being treated appallingly in jail, Mr Modise testified that South African jails were the best in the continent and compared favourably with the UK and US.

Pistorius' lawyer subjected Mr Modise to some strenuous cross-examination.

Like, why didn't he know about threats, from inside the prison from a notorious gang leader and murderer known as The General who had threatened to "take out" Pistorius.

Mr Roux pointed out the threats were in the newspaper.

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