Oscar Pistorius Eligible for Parole This Friday, a Decade After a Notorious Murder

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Oscar Pistorius, the former Paralympic and Olympic athlete, might be released on parole this Friday, marking nearly a decade since his imprisonment for a murder that garnered global attention.

Pistorius, who turned 37 this week, is known for his achievements in athletics as a double-amputee runner. His career was overshadowed by the 2013 incident where he fatally shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, through a bathroom door at his residence.

Convicted of murder in 2014, Pistorius is now reconsidered for parole, eight months following a procedural error in a previous hearing that incorrectly deemed him ineligible. Initially, he was found guilty of culpable homicide, similar to manslaughter, for Steenkamp’s death on Valentine’s Day in 2013. This was later escalated to murder upon the prosecution’s appeal, resulting in a revised sentence of 13 years and five months.

Under South African law, serious offenders must complete half of their sentence to qualify for parole, a criterion met by Pistorius.

During his trial, Pistorius claimed the shooting was an accident, mistaking Steenkamp for an intruder. Prosecutors argued that Steenkamp had sought refuge in the bathroom during an argument, and Pistorius shot her in anger. His murder conviction was based on the legal principle of ‘dolus eventualis,’ indicating extreme recklessness and the likelihood of causing death.

Pistorius gained fame as the first double-amputee to compete in the Olympics and was a celebrated figure in Paralympic sprinting. His trial, which attracted international media coverage, revealed a different side of his life, characterized by firearms, nightlife, and aggressive encounters. He was also found guilty of recklessly discharging a firearm in a public space.

June Steenkamp, the mother of Reeva, will not contest Pistorius’ parole, as stated by her lawyer to The Big Big News. This decision comes after the recent passing of Barry Steenkamp, Reeva’s father, and indicates a shift in the family’s stance. Previously, the Steenkamps had expressed their desire for Pistorius to serve a full sentence.

June Steenkamp will not attend the upcoming parole hearing, where a lawyer will read her statement.

Pistorius’ release is not certain, as the parole board considers various factors, including his behavior in prison, mental health, and potential risk to society. Options for parole include full or day parole, where he may be allowed to work but must return to prison at night.

The Department of Corrections noted that even if granted parole, Pistorius’ release date will be determined by the board.

Pistorius, initially incarcerated in Pretoria’s central prison, was later moved to the Atteridgeville Correctional Centre. His time in prison has been mostly private, with occasional reports of his involvement in prison activities, including teaching bible classes and an altercation over a phone call.

For more details on this story, visit AP Africa news.

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• Oscar Pistorius Trial Overview
• Understanding Dolus Eventualis
• Reeva Steenkamp’s Biography
• South African Parole System Explained
• Athletes and Legal Issues