Oscar Pistorius secretly freed to attend grandmother’s burial

Oscar Pistorius was secretly freed to join his family at a boutique hotel for a memorial service for his grandmother, prison bosses have confirmed.

The 29-year-old was allowed out of his maximum security prison for four hours last Friday, under armed guard, for the celebration of Gerti Pistorius's life.

The shamed Olympian was given 'compassionate leave' to attend the event because he is considered 'low risk' by management at Kgosi Mampuru jail, where he is serving six years for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The sprinter was one of Mrs Pistorius' 26 grandchildren.

As news of Pistorius' leave emerged, reaction appeared predominantly negative amid accusations that the athlete's 'white privilege' and status had led to him getting special treatment.