Oscar Pistorius, a world-renowned athlete known as ‘Blade Runner’ was released from prison on parole on Friday 5, January after the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Pistorius was granted a petition in November 2023 by the parole board because he had served half of his 13-year sentence.
A spokesperson for South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Singabakho Nxumalo told BBC that Pistorius was released on Friday morning.
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He added that Pistorius will be subjected to parole conditions until his sentence expires in 2029.
“There can never be justice if your loved one is never coming back, no amount of time served will bring Reeva back, we who remained behind are the ones serving a life sentence.” Reeva Steenkamp mother said.
She added that her only desire following the release of Pistorius was that she would be allowed to live her remaining years in peace.
Pistorius had shot his girlfriend 4 times on 14, February 2014 during Valentine’s Day through a door.
He had however said that it was an accident and that he had mistaken her for an intruder.
After the court ruling, Pistorius was convicted of manslaughter in 2014 and sentenced to five years.
Later on in 2015 the court overturned the case and upgraded it to murder increasing his sentence to six years.
prosecutors claimed the sentence was too lenient and again South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal in 2017 increased the sentence to thirteen years and five months.
Pistorius will have to attend programs on gender-based violence and therapy sessions on anger management, BBC reported.
He has also been restricted from conducting media interviews until 2029 when his sentence expires.
