PRETORIA, South Africa – Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has been released on parole after serving half of his 13-year sentence for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
Pistorius, who shot his girlfriend multiple times in 2013, claimed he mistook her for a burglar. However, an appeal court overturned an earlier verdict of culpable homicide, resulting in a murder conviction in 2015.
Under South African law, all offenders are entitled to be considered for parole once they have served half their total sentence. Pistorius will live under strict rules until his sentence expires in 2029, including confinement to his home for certain hours of the day and a ban on alcohol consumption. He is also prohibited from speaking to the media and will receive therapy for gender-based violence and anger issues.
During his time in prison, Pistorius worked in the library, cleaned inmates’ cells, and even drove a tractor in the grounds. Social workers and psychologists provided positive reports about him, according to South African journalist Karyn Maughan.
Reeva Steenkamp’s mother, June Steenkamp, expressed her desire to live the rest of her life in peace and stated that no amount of time served will bring her daughter back. She emphasized that those left behind are the ones serving a life sentence.
Pistorius’ release on parole has sparked mixed reactions, with some expressing concerns about the decision to release him before serving his full sentence. Nonetheless, he is now subject to the conditions of his parole until 2029.
In conclusion, Oscar Pistorius has been released on parole after serving half of his 13-year sentence for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp. Until his sentence expires in 2029, he will live under strict rules and receive therapy for gender-based violence and anger issues.