Oscar Pistorius was granted parole after serving nine years for murder

2-minute read
07 January 2024 | 13:35 CAT

Ex-Paralympian Oscar Pistorius – Image: The Sentinel Assam

Former Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has been released on parole from a prison in South Africa nearly 11 years after he shot dead his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Pistorius, 37, served nearly nine years of his sentence of 13 years and five months for killing Steenkamp, 29, through a locked bathroom door on Valentine’s Day 2013. He was approved for parole in November.

Serious offenders in South Africa are eligible for parole after serving at least half their sentence. He will live under strict conditions until the remainder of his sentence expires in December 2029.

Pistorius was expected to initially live at his uncle’s mansion in the upscale Waterkloof suburb of Pretoria.
His parole conditions include restrictions on leaving his home and abstaining from alcohol. He must regularly meet with parole officials at home and correctional services offices and will face unannounced visits. He also can’t leave Waterkloof without permission.

Known as the “Blade Runner” for his carbon-fibre prosthetic legs, Pistorius went from a public hero as a Paralympic champion sprinter to a convicted killer in hearings that caught the world’s attention a decade ago.

Legal analyst Mpumelelo Zikalala said that if Pistorius wanted to return to athletics, he would have to get permission from the parole board.

Zikalala said Pistorius may have to serve his full sentence before competing internationally.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie.

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