AFP
Convicted killer and former Paralympian champion Oscar Pistorius will be released on parole in January next year, ten years after killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on Friday confirmed Pistorius's parole placement, effective from 5 January 2024.
Pistorius shot and killed Steenkamp at his home in Pretoria on Valentine's Day, by firing multiple shots at her through a bathroom door.
He was initially convicted of culpable homicide in 2014, but the case went through numerous appeals.
His sentence was eventually ratified to 13 years and five months in 2017.
DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the decision to place Pistorius on parole was taken by the DCS Parole Board after CSPB assessed his profile and other material submitted for parole consideration.
According to Nxumalo, Pistorius is classified as a first-time offender with a positive support system, and his placement is in line with Section 73 of the Correctional Services Act.
"He will complete the remainder of his sentence in the system of community corrections and will be subjected to supervision in compliance with parole conditions until his sentence expires.
"Parole placement forms part of the total rehabilitation programme in correcting offending behaviour and may include continuation of programmes aimed at reintegration whilst in the system of community
corrections," said Nxumalo.
Steenkamp's mother, June, who did not oppose Pistoriu's release on parole, chose not to attend the hearing at the Atteridgeville Prison on Friday.
Rob Matthews read June's witness impact statement at the hearing.
In it, she reiterated that she does not believe Pistorius’ claim he shot Reeva because he thought she was an intruder and she still does not buy his version of events.
June calls Reeva a "miracle baby" who brought light to their lives.
She further said she and her late husband, Barry, had big dreams for their daughter.
“It has taken me the last ten years to realise Reeva had come to fulfill her destiny during her life, and more abundantly so in her tragic death," she said.
