The worst-case scenario could be a death sentence in itself, especially for a man considered to be a suicide risk.
Oscar Pistorius verdict near after calling of witnesses concludes
International Business Times reported about the possible fate that awaits South African double amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius, should he be sent to prison as part of the verdict in his murder trial.
Along with the closing arguments that were set for Aug. 7, International Business Times also is reporting that a verdict on whether he shot and killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was an accident or intentional.
If convicted of murder, Pistorius could be sentenced 25 years in prison. Even if the court finds him not guilty of murder, according to IBT, he could face culpable homicide charges that could send him to prison for 15 years if proven.
Any sentence behind bars could be a horrifying experience. IBT researched prison life in South Africa, which is known for its overcrowding.
It cited a report from the International Centre for Prison Studies, which stated that South Africa has a prison occupancy rate of 128 percent. The total number of inmates is 157,397 - the highest on the continent.
IBT also cited a report from The Week noting that inmates have been locked up for 23 hours a day with just one hour outside the cell. Reports of custodial torture - which include electric shock and forced injections - against South African prison authorities also have been filed.
And taking a report from the Guardian, IBT stated that cases have been cited in which 88 inmates have been forced together in cells meant to house 32 prisoners - all sharing one toilet and one shower, with the food covered with flies.
Prisoners reportedly have died in these cells due to lack of medical facilities.
If such a fate befalls Pistorius, who is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and is deemed a suicide risk as a result of his 30-day psychiatric evaluation, his safety and the safety of those around him because serious issues.
Do you think Oscar Pistorius' psychiatric evaluation will have any effect on his verdict on a murder charge? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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