DCS clarifies the transfer of offender Pistorius to Atteridgeville Correctional Centre
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) can confirm that offender Oscar Pistorius has been transferred to Atteridgeville Correctional Centre, which is under Kgosi Mampuru II Management Area.
The Centre is used to accommodate offenders sentenced from 0-6 years and has rehabilitation and development programmes in place for all offenders in its care. It was after a very careful consideration of all important factors, that the management decided that Atteridgeville Correctional Centre was the best place to accommodate Pistorius.
Since his incarceration, offender Pistorius was placed at the Remand Detention Centre which is used to accommodate awaiting trials and sentenced offenders who need full time hospitalisation or health care. This was done in order to accommodate his disability needs.
However, the Remand Detention Centre does not have rehabilitation and development programmes necessary for sentenced offenders as it is strictly designed for awaiting trial detainees.
During the month of May 2016, the Kgosi Mampuru II Management Area made a move which was long planned for, to upgrade the Atteridgeville Correctional Centre in order to accommodate disabled offenders, leading to the bath tub installations.
These upgrades were not strictly made for Mr Pistorius, but to accommodate disabled offenders under Kgosi Mampuru II Management Area. Furthermore, the upgrades were done long before the management considered moving Mr Pistorius to Atteridgeville.
The move will enable Mr Pistorius to engage in departmental rehabilitation programmes which are tailored according to the offenders’ needs and length of his sentence. These programmes are key in terms of rehabilitating the offending behaviour and do play a crucial role when one is considered for parole placement. Mr Pistorius’ transfer was purely due to his application which was lawfully and procedurally considered and approved.
Enquiries:
Singabakho Nxumalo
Cell: 079 523 5794
