Oscar Pistorius, the South African Paralympian who infamously murdered his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day a decade ago, has been granted parole after a hearing on Friday with his release date now known
Known as the “Blade Runner” for his prosthetic legs, Pistorius, aged 37, was convicted of fatally shooting his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, four times through a locked bathroom door at his Pretoria home in 2013.
Where is Oscar Pistorius now and what is his release date from prison in 2024
Oscar Pistorius murdered his girlfriend nearly 11 years ago and in January he'll be free.
It seems to me that if you murder anyone you shouldn't see freedom again.
Oscar should've been given a one way ticket to meet God and let him sort it out. pic.twitter.com/pU8RWkMKut— Chris Randolph (@TrumpAF2024) November 24, 2023
Oscar Pistorius is a free man.
Parole granted. #RIPReevaSteenkamp pic.twitter.com/MgZuNL8FKX
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) November 24, 2023
Who was Reeva Steenkamp?
During the hearing in Pretoria, where he has been held, Pistorius was informed that he would be released on January 5, 2024. Reeva Steenkamp, a model and law graduate, was 29 at the time of her death.
Tania Koen, the lawyer representing the Steenkamp family throughout the parole process and Pistorius’ appeals, confirmed the parole decision.
The South African Correctional Services department stated that the parole board based its decision on assessing Pistorius’ profile and determining that he has a “positive support system.”
The statement mentioned the possibility of rehabilitation programs aimed at reintegrating him into society. Previously denied parole in March, Pistorius was ruled ineligible due to not serving the minimum time required. The judge then stated that he wouldn’t be considered for parole until August 2024.
End of Pistorius’s Career
The 2014 trial garnered global attention, marking the end of Pistorius’s career as a high-profile disabled athlete. Pistorius claimed he mistook Steenkamp for a burglar, shooting her in error. As part of the parole process, Pistorius met with Barry Steenkamp, Reeva’s father, in June 2022.
Despite opposition from the Steenkamp family, citing their rejection of Pistorius’ account, the parole was granted. June Steenkamp, Reeva’s mother, expressed her disbelief in Pistorius’ explanation, stating that her daughter screamed for her life, and she does not consider Pistorius rehabilitated.
Barry Steenkamp passed away in September, feeling devastated by his perceived failure to protect his daughter.
As Pistorius has not completed his full sentence of 13 years and five months, he is likely to wear an electronic security tag and be restricted from leaving Gauteng Province.
Pistorius Out on Parole?
The Correctional Services department’s statement emphasized that Pistorius would be “subjected to supervision in compliance with parole conditions until his sentence expires.” Originally sentenced to six years for murder, the sentence was increased after prosecutors appealed what they deemed a “shockingly lenient” punishment.
Born with a congenital condition leading to double amputation below the knee at 11 months old, Pistorius became a successful athlete, making history at the 2012 London Olympics.
The 2014 trial revealed his constant fear of a home invasion, with a gun on his bedside table. Reeva’s tragic death continues to raise awareness about gender-based violence worldwide, according to her mother’s victim impact statement.
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