Oscar Pistorius, the 39-year-old double-amputee Paralympic and Olympic sprinter, has been released on parole. This is after completing more than half of his 13-year sentence for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The parole board approved his release in November, adhering to South African law.
Singabakho Nxumalo, South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson confirmed Pistorius’ release from Atteridgeville Correctional Centre. Pistorius will be subject to parole conditions until 2029.
Despite media presence outside the prison, Pistorius was not seen leaving on Friday. Reports suggest he may reside at his uncle’s home in Waterkloof, Pretoria, during parole, pending official confirmation.
June Steenkamp, Reeva’s mother, expressed a desire for peace following Pistorius’ release, stating, “There can never be justice if your loved one is never coming back, and no amount of time served will bring Reeva back. We, who remain behind, serve a life sentence.”
In 2013, Pistorius, nicknamed the “Blade Runner,” shot Steenkamp four times, claiming mistaken identity. Initially convicted of manslaughter in 2014, his sentence was upgraded to murder in 2017 after prosecutors’ appeal. Pistorius became parole-eligible in March 2023 under South Africa’s “Restorative Justice” process.
Parole conditions mandate gender-based violence programs and anger management therapy, as per a lawyer for the Steenkamp family. General conditions include specific home hours, abstinence from alcohol and substances, and participation in programs assigned by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board.
June Steenkamp, critical of Pistorius’ release, questioned his rehabilitation and expressed safety concerns for women. She emphasized, “If someone does not show remorse, they cannot be considered rehabilitated. If not rehabilitated, their risk of recidivism is high.”
