Former Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has been released on parole from a South African prison, approximately 11 years after being convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
Authorities confirmed Pistorius’ release, stating that he is now “at home” after serving more than half of his 13-year sentence. Despite the decision, Steenkamp’s mother expressed acceptance but emphasised that her family feels like they are the ones enduring a lifelong sentence.
In 2013, Pistorius, now 37, fatally shot Steenkamp multiple times through a door, claiming he mistook her for a burglar due to his double amputation.
South African law allows all offenders to be considered for parole after serving half their total sentence, and Pistorius’ sentence was finalised in 2017 at 13 years and five months. He will face stringent conditions, including restrictions on media interactions, until his sentence concludes in 2029.
June Steenkamp said in a statement that the family had “always known that parole is part of the South African legal system” and had “always said that the law must take its course”.
Mrs Steenkamp said she welcomed the conditions imposed by the parole board – which include anger management courses and programmes on gender-based violence – adding that those decisions had “affirmed Barry and my belief in the South African justice system,” referring to her late husband.
