PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – Disgraced Olympian Oscar Pistorius has been released from prison on parole after serving nearly nine years for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The 37-year-old double-amputee sprinter is now at home, as confirmed by South Africa’s Department of Corrections on Friday morning. Pistorius gained international stardom as a Paralympic champion before competing against non-disabled athletes at the London Olympics.
Pistorius was granted parole in November after serving over half of his 13-year and five months sentence. He is now subject to parole conditions until his sentence officially ends in 2029, and is expected to live with relatives in Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. Additionally, he is required to complete community service and attend programs on violence against women and anger management.
Reeva’s mother, June Steenkamp, accepted the law but expressed that no amount of time served will bring her daughter back, stating, “There can never be justice if your loved one is never coming back. We who remain behind are the ones serving a life sentence.” She added that her only desire is to continue Reeva’s legacy through the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation.
At his televised trial, Pistorius claimed he had mistakenly believed Reeva Steenkamp was an intruder hiding in his bathroom when he fired at her through the bathroom door. Prosecutors, however, argued that he had deliberately killed the 29-year-old model and law graduate in a late-night argument. Originally convicted of culpable homicide, Pistorius’ sentence was increased after prosecutors appealed and he was found guilty of murder.
In conclusion, Pistorius, the Blade Runner, has been released on parole after serving nine years for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp. He now faces parole conditions until 2029, including community service and programs on violence against women and anger management.