No preferential treatment for Pistorius
2013-02-15 16:07
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Pretoria - Despite his global celebrity status, murder accused Oscar Pistorius will not be getting any special treatment behind bars, NPA spokesperson Medupe Simasiku said on Friday.
Pistorius would not be spending the weekend at a correctional services prison after his first court appearance, but would be held at a police station because he needed sufficient time to consult his lawyers.
"We believe that it is fair for the accused [Pistorius] so that he can meet with his defence [lawyers].
It is noted that when the accused is kept at a prison there is no after hours visit, whether from the legal team or the family," said Simasiku.
"There is no celebrity status [at play] here. It's not a common practice, but it is a decision of the court.
"We can’t argue regarding why the court made that decision [to keep Pistorius at the police station]."
During his stay at the Brooklyn police station in Pretoria the athlete "would meet his defence and talk his case through with them so they can be able to apply for bail on Tuesday".
Pistorius was formally charged on Friday with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
He was arrested on Thursday after Steenkamp, a model, law graduate, and participant in the Tropika Island of Treasure television show, was shot dead in his home.
- SAPA
