The family of Oscar Pistorius have claimed they've been warned he will be 'beaten up and gang raped in prison' unless they pay to protect him.
According to family spokeswoman, Anneliese Brugess, an unknown person has made threats to the family and told them they must pay for evidence that would undermine the prosecution case against him.
Brugess said in a statement: '"These included threats that he would arrange for Oscar to be beaten up and gang raped in prison."
The demands were sent to the former athlete's cousin Arnoldus via text message on June 16. According to the Mirror Online, when he didn't reply, the person wrote again, warning: "When Oscar returns to jail I will ensure that he is gang raped also he will suffer and I will have my man beat him properly. Your children will be murdered as well."
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Pistorius was found guilty of murder after a court overturned an earlier manslaughter verdict in December.
He was originally sentenced to serve five years behind bars for shooting Reeva Steenkamp through a toilet door on Valentine's Day 2013, at his home in Pretoria.
Police are currently investigating the threats but have not made any arrests.
Words by Sian Broderick
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