South Africa: Oscar Pistorius Granted Parole 10 Years After Shooting His Girlfriend

Former Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius is seeking early release known as parole from the South African prison, where he has been serving a sentence of over 13 years for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The shocking incident occurred a decade ago at Pistorius’s home in Pretoria.

Pistorius, now 37, fired four shots through a toilet cubicle door on Valentine’s Day in February 2013, believing there was an intruder. However, the Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that his account of the night “varied substantially,” leading to a murder conviction. The case drew global attention, with Reeva Steenkamp’s tragic death dominating headlines.

June Steenkamp, Reeva’s mother, is not opposing Pistorius’s parole bid, but she remains skeptical about his rehabilitation. Despite her absence at the hearing, a victim impact statement from her is being presented to the parole board. June doubted Pistorius was engaging “honestly with the full truth of his crime.”

The parole board will weigh various factors, including Pistorius’s conviction, prison conduct, and the potential risk he poses to the public. The decision could come swiftly. In the event of parole approval, a release date will be determined.

Reeva Steenkamp’s father, Barry, passed away in September, reopening wounds caused by his daughter’s death. June Steenkamp emphasised concern for the safety of women if Pistorius’s behaviour remains unaddressed.

Pistorius’s initial parole hearing in March faced a setback, but last month, the Constitutional Court corrected an error, paving the way for the current parole bid. Pistorius, known as the “blade runner” for his accomplishments in the Paralympics, had both legs amputated before he turned one.

The tragic shooting and its aftermath marked a significant chapter in global headlines, and Pistorius’s potential parole now rekindles public interest in a case that has gripped the world for a decade.