Pretoria - While the world’s eyes will once again be on the high court in Pretoria next week, with Oscar Pistorius being sentenced for murder, his uncle Arnold Pistorius said on Thursday night that he (Arnold) will break his silence after the case had been concluded, by speaking to an international television channel.
It will be a tough and uncertain week for Oscar, as jail definitely looms following his conviction for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The only question is for how long will he be going in.
His legal team will have to fight a battle to convince Judge Thokozile Masipa not to send him to jail for 15 years, as the law requires.
On Thursday night, his uncle issued a statement in which he said the family had rejected countless offers for interviews over the past three years, often offering great amounts of money.
“We have been deeply respectful of the legal process and mindful not to contribute to the media frenzy that has characterised this case. Despite the many, many requests for interviews with Oscar from across the globe - often coupled with huge financial inducements - we have been absolutely consistent in our position that there will be no interview, or media engagement, for Oscar’s financial benefit.”
Arnold said despite Oscar’s “crippling” legal fees, this remains their position. “Not knowing what the future holds for Oscar after this week, I decided it was necessary to take up one media offer that would provide our family with a voice to address some of the misconceptions that have remained unchallenged.
“Having considered the various offers and options available, I decided to engage with Mark Williams-Thomas. I felt his platform on ITV was the most appropriate place to do this – because of its style and format. Williams-Thomas is a Peabody award-winning investigative journalist, and has followed the case closely from the outset.
“I wish to make it very clear that this engagement with ITV was my decision, and not Oscar’s initative,” Arnold said.
Arnold said the family would speak with ITV after the court proceedings had concluded.
Any possible proceeds will go towards a fund to assist needy children.
Pretoria News