REACTION ON THE OUTSIDE

There’s a stigma attached to convicted criminals, says Professor Christiaan Bezuidenhout, a criminologist at the University of Pretoria, and it’s often difficult for former inmates to readjust to the outside world.

“Our society doesn’t integrate ex-prisoners easily. Some struggle terribly to find work. Their own self-esteem issues or mental health problems can be a tremendous challenge.”

He says the public will be divided into three groups:

S Those who’ll always regard Oscar as a killer who belongs behind bars.

S Those who’ve always supported him and want to help him.

S Those who couldn’t care less and have moved on.

This will affect how people react to him when they encounter him, Bezuidenhout says.

Still, he adds, Oscar has it easier than many offenders on parole. “He’s a celebrity who’s going to walk into a good home. His integration into the real world will be easier.”

Willie Hanekom, a psychologist who’s worked with prisoners and parolees, says Oscar’s integration will depend on the support he received from friends and family outside prison during his incarceration, how he spent his time in prison in terms of work, reading and studying and to what extent he became involved in prison culture. He will need to be careful too, Hanekom adds, and avoid potentially problematic situations.

Throughout his trial, his anger issues came into play, as did his state of mind. Oscar underwent rehabilitation programmes in jail that would’ve given him tools to help him control his temper and moods – and the experts stress he’ll have to manage conflict should it arise because there’s no room for unacceptable behaviour. One wrong move or hot-headed moment could land him back in jail.

“Oscar is a public figure and he’ll be recognised by most people on the street,” Hanekom says.

“He may find himself in uncomfortable situations and he’ll need to control himself. If he’s developed coping skills and is aware of potential triggers and pitfalls, he’ll be able to manage the issue and keep the conditions of his parole uppermost in his mind.”