Former South African Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius has finally tasted freedom after nearly a decade in prison for murdering his girlfriend.
He shot Reeva Steenkamp several times through a bathroom door in 2013, claiming he mistook her for a burglar. However, the former professional sprinter was found guilty of the crime and sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison.
After serving ten years in prison, Pistorius was released on parole with strict conditions – an arrangement Steenkamp’s mother welcomed but insisted no sentence could fill the void left by her daughter.
Oscar Pistorius Will Live Under Strict Rules Until His Sentence Ends In 2029
Under South African law, all prisoners are entitled to parole under certain conditions and are considered eligible when they have served half of their sentence. Pistorius’ early release comes three years shy of completing his 13-year-five-month term.
But leaving his prison cell doesn’t automatically grant the twice-amputated athlete complete freedom. As stated, he will live in strict conditions, with most of his time spent indoors until his sentence expires in 2029.
For certain hours of the day, Pistorius will be confined to his home, where he will not be allowed to speak to the media or consume alcohol. He must also attend therapy to deal with issues related to gender-based violence and anger.
After his release, the former Olympic gold medalist is believed to have sought refuge at his uncle’s house, per BBC. His brother reportedly lives in an affluent suburb of Pretoria. It remains to be determined whether this is where Pistorius plans to serve the remainder of his sentence.
As Pistorius reflects on his life, he owes part of his early release to his late girlfriend’s mother, June. In a statement, Steenkamp’s parents stated that they accepted the decision to free their daughter’s killer because their family “has always known that parole is part of the South African legal system.”
He strongly welcomed the strict conditions imposed on Pistorius and stated that “the law must take its course.” Despite accepting these conditions, June insists that nothing can make up for her daughter’s absence. In his words:
“Will there be justice for Reeva? Did Oscar serve enough time? There will be no justice if your loved ones never come back, and no amount of time will bring Reeva back. We, who are left behind, are the ones serving life sentences.”
She continued, “My only wish is that I will be allowed to live out my final years in peace with my focus remaining on the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation, to carry on Reeva’s legacy.”
Oscar Pistorius Granted Parole After Board Assessment Of His Profile
Prior to his release, South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services announced that Pistorius would be granted parole in November 2023. They stated that he would be released early after a parole board reviewed his case.
They dropped the news in a statement on social media, writing: “The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed the placement of parole for Mr Oscar Leonard Carl Pistorius, effective from 5 January 2024.”
OSCAR PISTORIUS PLACED ON PAROLE
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed the placement of parole for Mr Oscar Leonard Carl Pistorius, effective from 5 January 2024. pic.twitter.com/6u7w4yTVJp
— Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services ?? (@Min_JCS) November 24, 2023
“Mr. Pistorius was initially convicted of culpable homicide in 2014, but the case went through several appeals and was finally confirmed to 13 years and five months in 2017,” continued their statement.
The department of correctional services emphasizes the importance of parole placement as part of a rehabilitation program to address “offending behavior.” They also stated authorities would monitor Pistorius until he completes his sentence, writing:
“Mr Pistorius will complete the remainder of his sentence in the community corrections system and will be subject to supervision in compliance with parole conditions until his sentence is complete.”
The news sparked sympathy from fans, with many calling for Pistorius’ early release. “Let the man go home, why are you still holding him until January?” One wondered, while another wrote: “He served his time of shame. Now he can go back to running, continue his career, have a new Reeva, have a family. Life goes on.”
Also, sources say Pistorius’ parole conditions include therapy because his late girlfriend’s mother has expressed concern about his “huge anger issues.” In a letter to the parole board, June said she was concerned about the “safety of any woman” who would face her daughter’s killer after she is released.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
