PISTORIUS RELEASED ON PAROLE
Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has been released on parole from a South African prison, nearly 11 years after the tragic death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
Officials confirmed his presence at home on Friday morning, marking the completion of more than half of his 13-year sentence. While Reeva Steenkamp's mother acknowledged the decision to release Pistorius, she emphasised that her family continues to endure a perpetual emotional sentence.
In 2012, Pistorius made history as the first double amputee to participate in the Olympics. However, just six months later, he fatally shot Reeva Steenkamp multiple times through a bathroom door in his residence. The incident and subsequent legal proceedings captivated both South Africa and the global audience. Pistorius, now 37, asserted that he had mistaken Steenkamp for a burglar during the night. In 2015, an appeals court overturned the initial verdict of culpable homicide, leading to Pistorius being convicted of murder.
South African law grants all offenders the right to be considered for parole after serving half of their total sentence. Pistorius, facing a sentence of 13 years and five months, will be under strict parole conditions until 2029. These conditions include confinement to his home during specific hours, abstinence from alcohol, a media communication ban, and mandatory therapy addressing gender-based violence and anger issues. Reports suggest he has relocated to his uncle Arnold Pistorius's residence in an upscale Pretoria suburb.
Oscar Pistorius' trial held South Africa in its grip and continues to generate divergent opinions among the public.
During his incarceration, Pistorius engaged in activities like operating a tractor, working in the prison library, and cleaning cells. Reeva Steenkamp's mother, June, acknowledged the legal system's parole provision but questioned whether justice had been served for her daughter. She expressed approval of the imposed conditions, echoing her late husband's belief in the South African justice system. June Steenkamp concluded her statement by emphasising her commitment to the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation, dedicated to continuing Reeva's legacy.
Pistorius initially entered prison in October 2014, briefly experiencing house arrest between 2015 and 2016 before his conviction was revised, leading to a lengthier sentence. Born without fibulas, Pistorius rose to prominence as the "Blade Runner," overcoming physical challenges to achieve success in both Paralympic and Olympic competitions. Despite his public profile, the Department of Correctional Services assured that he would be treated like any other parolee.
Reeva Steenkamp, a 29-year-old law graduate, model, and TV presenter, had ambitious plans to establish a law firm supporting abused women. Her life was tragically cut short in February 2013 when Pistorius fired fatal shots through a bathroom door. Initially convicted of culpable homicide, Pistorius's charge was upgraded to murder by the Supreme Court of Appeal in 2015 due to inconsistencies in his account of events and the lack of a rational fear for his life during the incident.