Oscar Pistorius, who critics say circumvented justice with his lenient prison sentence on a culpable homicide charge, could be facing vigilante justice in prison.
The Daily Mail, a British newspaper, reported Wednesday that the kingpin of one of the notorious numbers gang at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility, where Pistorius spent his first night of a five-year jail sentence, already has threatened "a hit" on the double-amputee sprinter if he is perceived to receive any preferential treatment there.
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According to the Daily Mail, "Khalil Subjee, who is known as 'The General,' leads the feared 26s gang, which rewards acts of violence with promotion within the gang hierarchy."
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Ofentse Morwane, an officer with the correctional services department, denied Pistorius would receive any preferential treatment while in prison.
"Every prisoner receives the same treatment here," Morwane said. "Mr. Pistorius will be no different."
There is no indication whether the possibility of Pistorius' release in 10 months if he exhibits good behavior is viewed as preferential treatment or whether extra security will be on hand if the facility deems the threat legitimate.
The 27-year-old Pistorius, who was sentenced Tuesday, is completing a needs assessment and orientation program that will inform him of prison rules, the Daily Mail added.
He is being classified as a "B" group inmate. He is staying at the hospital wing of the prison, one of nine disabled inmates in the facility. As a "B" classification prisoner, Pistorius is entitled to a small number of photographs in his cell, two no-contact visits on weekends and holidays. The visits are capped at 45 per year - if Pistorius were to stay longer than the 10-month suggested term.
The Daily Mail reported that if Pistorius proves himself to be a cooperative prisoner for six months, he will be elevated to group "A," which entitles him to more visits and special privileges that include chocolate and Coca-Cola.
It was Judge Thokozile Masipa who said at the sentencing that she believed his disability had been "over-emphasized," and that his "excellent coping skills" would help him to adapt to life behind bars.
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