Oscar Pistorius Released on Parole After Serving Nine Years for Reeva Steenkamp's Killing
Jan 08, 11:00 AM
South African Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius, known for his inspirational journey as a double-amputee athlete, has been released on parole after serving nearly nine years of his 13-year and five-month prison sentence for the fatal shooting of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine's Day in 2013.
The South African Department of Corrections made the announcement early Friday morning, confirming Pistorius' new status as a parolee. Pistorius was secretly moved from the Atteridgeville Correctional Center prison in Pretoria to a parole office before being released to his family. However, the exact time and location of his release were not disclosed.
Pistorius, who became eligible for early release after serving at least half his sentence and received parole approval in November, is expected to live initially at his uncle's mansion in an upscale Pretoria suburb. A police van and private security vehicles were seen outside the residence, highlighting the efforts to maintain privacy.
The Department of Corrections emphasized that Pistorius' parole details, including the time of release, would not be publicized to protect him from media attention that has followed him since the tragic incident more than a decade ago.
Under strict parole conditions, Pistorius will have limitations on leaving his home, a prohibition on alcohol consumption, mandatory participation in anger management and violence against women programs, and community service. He will also meet regularly with parole officials and be subject to unannounced visits. Additionally, Pistorius is banned from speaking to the media until the end of his sentence, and any breach of parole conditions could result in his return to jail.
South Africa does not employ monitoring devices like ankle bracelets for paroled offenders, but Pistorius will be closely monitored by a Department of Corrections official. He must inform the official of any significant life changes, such as seeking employment or moving to a different residence.
Reeva Steenkamp's mother, June Steenkamp, expressed her acceptance of Pistorius' parole, acknowledging it as part of South African law. She reflected on the absence of true justice, stating, "Has there been justice for Reeva? Has Oscar served enough time? There can never be justice if your loved one is never coming back, and no amount of time served will bring Reeva back."
June Steenkamp also reiterated her commitment to the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation, dedicated to continuing her daughter's legacy.
Oscar Pistorius has maintained that he shot Reeva Steenkamp by mistake, believing she was an intruder in his bathroom. However, prosecutors argued that he intentionally killed his girlfriend during a late-night argument.
Before the tragic incident, Pistorius was celebrated as an inspiring role model, overcoming his disability to become a champion sprinter who competed in the 2012 London Olympics.
The reaction to Pistorius' parole has been relatively subdued in South Africa, in contrast to the initial public outrage that followed the killing. Advocates against violence towards women expressed hope for Pistorius' rehabilitation. Themba Masango, the secretary-general of Not In My Name International, commented, "We can only wish and hope Oscar Pistorius will come out a better human being. We tend to forget that there is a possibility where somebody can be rehabilitated."
As Oscar Pistorius embarks on his parole journey, South Africa will closely watch his adherence to the strict conditions imposed on him, while the tragic memory of Reeva Steenkamp remains in the hearts of many.
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The South African Department of Corrections made the announcement early Friday morning, confirming Pistorius' new status as a parolee. Pistorius was secretly moved from the Atteridgeville Correctional Center prison in Pretoria to a parole office before being released to his family. However, the exact time and location of his release were not disclosed.
Pistorius, who became eligible for early release after serving at least half his sentence and received parole approval in November, is expected to live initially at his uncle's mansion in an upscale Pretoria suburb. A police van and private security vehicles were seen outside the residence, highlighting the efforts to maintain privacy.
The Department of Corrections emphasized that Pistorius' parole details, including the time of release, would not be publicized to protect him from media attention that has followed him since the tragic incident more than a decade ago.
Under strict parole conditions, Pistorius will have limitations on leaving his home, a prohibition on alcohol consumption, mandatory participation in anger management and violence against women programs, and community service. He will also meet regularly with parole officials and be subject to unannounced visits. Additionally, Pistorius is banned from speaking to the media until the end of his sentence, and any breach of parole conditions could result in his return to jail.
South Africa does not employ monitoring devices like ankle bracelets for paroled offenders, but Pistorius will be closely monitored by a Department of Corrections official. He must inform the official of any significant life changes, such as seeking employment or moving to a different residence.
Reeva Steenkamp's mother, June Steenkamp, expressed her acceptance of Pistorius' parole, acknowledging it as part of South African law. She reflected on the absence of true justice, stating, "Has there been justice for Reeva? Has Oscar served enough time? There can never be justice if your loved one is never coming back, and no amount of time served will bring Reeva back."
June Steenkamp also reiterated her commitment to the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation, dedicated to continuing her daughter's legacy.
Oscar Pistorius has maintained that he shot Reeva Steenkamp by mistake, believing she was an intruder in his bathroom. However, prosecutors argued that he intentionally killed his girlfriend during a late-night argument.
Before the tragic incident, Pistorius was celebrated as an inspiring role model, overcoming his disability to become a champion sprinter who competed in the 2012 London Olympics.
The reaction to Pistorius' parole has been relatively subdued in South Africa, in contrast to the initial public outrage that followed the killing. Advocates against violence towards women expressed hope for Pistorius' rehabilitation. Themba Masango, the secretary-general of Not In My Name International, commented, "We can only wish and hope Oscar Pistorius will come out a better human being. We tend to forget that there is a possibility where somebody can be rehabilitated."
As Oscar Pistorius embarks on his parole journey, South Africa will closely watch his adherence to the strict conditions imposed on him, while the tragic memory of Reeva Steenkamp remains in the hearts of many.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com