Oscar Pistorius: ex-Paralympic champion turned murder convict released on parole

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Former South African athlete and multiple Paralympic gold medalist Oscar Pistorius has been released from jail on parole.

The 37-year-old has served seven of a 13-year, five months sentence after he was convicted of murdering his girlfriend in 2013.

Pistorius was granted parole in November on the condition that he had served half of a 13-year sentence for murder. Pistorius shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, through a locked bathroom door, killing her in the process. He has insisted he mistook her for an intruder following the ugly event that happened on Valentine’s Day, 2013.

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Being a double-amputee, Pistorius, also known as ‘the Blade Runner’, had gained international fame for competing as both a Paralympic and Olympic Games athlete. Meanwhile, Reeva Steenkamp was a model and reality star who was also a law graduate.

The trial of Pistorius lasted for seven months and was televised throughout that period. There were close to 40 witnesses that testified during his trial.

Pistorius released on parole

Already, authorities in South Africa have confirmed Pistorius’ public profile would not grant him any preferential treatment. Also, the Department of Correctional Services refused to announce his departure time from prison, due to security reasons obviously.

One of the conditions for his parole is that Pistorius must avoid any communication with reporters. This is in line with regulations restricting media interactions.

Pistorius will be under parole supervision for the next six years – till 2029. During his parole, the multiple Olympic gold medalist is expected to live with his family.

It has also been mandated that he must remain in Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. The department have also stated Pistorious must attend rehabilitation programs while being barred from consuming alcohol or any banned substances.

Pistorious’ sentencing

Despite Pistorius’ insistence that the events of 2013 was an accident, prosecutors argued that he had killed Ms. Steenkamp after an argument. They referred to her text messages, providing them as evidence of a capricious, strained relationship.

At first, Pistorius was convicted of manslaughter. However, prosecutors appealed the judgment, and his conviction was upgraded to murder.

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In 2017, an appeals court increased his sentence from six years to 13 years and five months. That is the minimum recommended by South African law for unpremeditated murder.

It should also be noted that under South African law, all offenders are entitled to be considered for parole as soon as the condition that they serve half their total sentence has been met.