Oscar Pistorius, the former South African Olympic runner, has been quietly released on parole, stirring global attention, nearly 11 years after the tragic shooting of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
With more than half of his sentence served, the 37-year-old double-amputee was discreetly moved out of Atteridgeville prison in Pretoria and is now back at home, confirmed by the Department of Correctional Services.
Known as the “Blade Runner” for his distinctive carbon-fibre prosthetics, Pistorius is prohibited from engaging with the media as a condition of his parole, enforced by the prison authorities to shield him from media scrutiny.
Pistorius made history at the London 2012 Olympics as the first double-amputee to compete at the Olympic level, yet the fatal shooting of Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day in 2013 led to his murder conviction and a 13-year prison term in 2017.
While June Steenkamp, Reeva’s mother, acknowledged the justice system’s decision, she expressed the persistent agony over her daughter’s loss, emphasizing that no time served could ever bring Reeva back.
Pistorius will now undergo mandatory therapy for anger management and gender-based violence throughout the remainder of his sentence until 2029.
He’s also restricted from alcohol and drugs, obligated to perform community service, and must abide by specific home hours, underlining the serious stance of South Africa’s justice system against gender-based violence.
