We will look after Oscar, say jailbirds: Oscar Pistorius's safety in prison is guaranteed. This is according to prisoners at Pretoria's Kgosi Mampuru II prison, to which Pistorius is likely to be sent should the Pretoria High Court sentence him to serve time in jail.

Several prisoners serving time at Kgosi Mampuru II yesterday said that Pistorius's fears about his wellbeing in prison were unwarranted. File photo
Image by: SIPHIWE SIBEKO / REUTERS

"People here are lovers not haters," one prisoner told The Times. "All Mr Pistorius need do is associate himself with positive people."

If imprisoned by Judge Thokozile Masipa, Pistorius is likely to live in a single cell in the prison's hospital wing, acting national commissioner for correctional services Zach Modise testified in court yesterday.

Several prisoners serving time at Kgosi Mampuru II yesterday said that Pistorius's fears about his wellbeing in prison were unwarranted.

One prisoner, serving 15 years for armed robbery and speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "It is his fame that will give him his protection ... that and whatever money he has to buy . the necessaries. Bartering in prison is the game ... cigarettes and money. If you have or can get them, then you are fine," he said.

He said the advice of prisoners - who had been watching the trial on mobile satellite-TV devices - was that Pistorius should associate with the "right people".

"Associate with the right people, the lovers: those who see a future for themselves outside prison. Your protection through your fame is a definite. Everyone knows you.

"Pistorius will have people who clean and wash for him, do things for him," he said.

"The gangs will obviously try to protect him, make promises and offers, especially the senior members. Any cellphone he wants is his. A smart- phone, BlackBerry. It is already being organised. The airtime is there.

"He need not worry about his family, he can Skype with them any time. People in here are getting ready for him, organising things he might want or need.

"We will make sure he remains the fastest man in the world with no legs. People know Mr Pistorius is a no-go, off limits to any form of harm. Those protecting him will not hesitate to do what they must to ensure his protection, but this comes at a cost."

Golden Miles Bhudu, of the SA Prisoners' Organisation for Human Rights, said the protection Pistorius would receive in prison would cost him and his family.

"Those inside, including the warders, will run over themselves to protect and help him. In the end he will live like a king because of his fame and wealth."

Outside court Modise was furious about the protection being offered to Pistorius by prisoners.

"Who are these people? How did they get cellphones? I want their numbers. They and you are breaking the law."

He said the offer of protection by prisoners for a fee "clearly means my officials are not doing their job".

"Warders are the ones who ensure the safety of all, not prisoners. What am I paying them for if they are not doing their job? I will take action on this."