Paralympic champion Pistorius could be released early
South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius could be released from prison this week, 10 years after killing his partner, model Reeva Steenkamp, 29. Ansa reports it.
A probation commission will decide on Friday whether the former athlete should be released early, a possibility given by South African justice to those who have demonstrated redemption after serving at least half their sentence.
“The council must determine whether the purpose of the confinement has been met,” said Department of Corrections spokesman Singabakho Nxumalo.
Pistorius, now 36, killed his girlfriend at dawn on Valentine’s Day 2013. He shot her four times through the bathroom door of his Pretoria home. He has always pleaded not guilty and denied killing Reeva in a rage, saying he mistook her for a thief.
Known worldwide as the Blade Runner due to his carbon fiber prosthetics, he was sentenced to 13 years behind bars, which he has been serving since 2014 in a prison near Pretoria.
In his rehabilitation journey, Pistorius met with Reeva Steenkamp’s parents, June and Barry, last year, as authorities aim to ensure that inmates “recognize the harm they have caused to their victims and to society.” in general”.
Reeva’s mother, June, will attend the hearing to “submit statements to the parole board,” said Tania Koen, an attorney representing the Steenkamps. The father will not be present for health reasons.
