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Politics

Oscar Pistorius Released from Prison: A Look at His Parole Placement and Controversial Case

Owen Mitchell

By Owen Mitchell

Published January 5, 2024

Oscar Pistorius, the Paralympic champion, has been released from prison after serving about nine years of his 13-year and five-month murder sentence for the killing of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. South Africa’s Ministry of Justice confirmed his release, stating that he had been admitted into the system of Community Corrections and is now at home.

Parole Placement and Conditions

Pistorius' release follows a successful parole bid in November, as serious offenders in South Africa are eligible for parole after completing at least half of their sentence. The Department of Correctional Services in South Africa provided a brief update on Pistorius' parole placement, without disclosing further details.

Oscar Pistorius: The 'Blade Runner'

Oscar Pistorius gained fame as the 'Blade Runner' for his exceptional speed on carbon-fiber prosthetic legs, becoming a double amputee as a child. He achieved remarkable success in sports, winning six Paralympic gold medals and making history as the first amputee runner to compete in the Olympics at the 2012 London Games. Pistorius was celebrated as a sporting champion for his remarkable achievements.

The Tragic Case of Reeva Steenkamp

Reeva Steenkamp, a model and paralegal, tragically lost her life when Pistorius fatally shot her through a locked bathroom door in his apartment in Pretoria. The couple had been dating for several months prior to the incident. Pistorius claimed in court that he had mistaken his girlfriend, then 29, for a burglar, leading to a highly publicized and controversial trial that captivated global attention.

A Mother's Grief and Pain

June Steenkamp, the mother of Reeva Steenkamp, expressed her ongoing grief and pain over the loss of her daughter, stating, "Almost 11 years later, the pain is still raw and real, and my dear late husband Barry and I have never been able to come to terms with Reeva’s death." She emphasized that those left behind are serving a lifelong emotional sentence due to the tragic loss of her daughter.