AFP
Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has been denied parole following a hearing on Friday.
The Department of Correctional Services said that it was notified that Pistorius had not served the minimum detention period that would make him eligible for parole.
Spokesperson, Singabhako Nxumalo, said they had received a clarification order from the Supreme Court of Appeal on Friday, which was issued on 28 March.
He said in terms of the order Pistorius would be eligible to apply for parole in August 2024.
"That's what we call further profiling. No one is said to be denied parole, but if there are interventions, you provide space for such. But, if the person is yet to serve the minimum period, we also provide for this, hence it's called further profiling, meaning that come August 2024, he would have reached the minimum detention period and the Board will make a decision," Nxumalo explained.
He said Pistorius will continue serving the sentence at Kgosi Mampuru Maximum Security prison but if a risk assessment determines that he be moved to another facility, then this will be done.
Nxumalo said that the Correctional Services Act is very clear that an inmate has to serve a minimum detention period before they are considered "for parole placement."
The parents of Reeva Steenkamp have opposed the former Paralympian's application to be placed on parole.
He admitted to shooting Steenkamp through a toilet door but told the court it was a case of mistaken identity.
Steenkamp family lawyer, Tania Koen, said June and Barry, are still not buying Pistorius's version of events.
"While we welcome today’s decision, today is not a cause for celebration. We miss Reeva terribly and will do so for the rest of our lives. We believe in justice and hope that it continues to prevail," the Steenkamp's said.
