Oscar Pistorius, the South African Olympic sprinter convicted of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day 2013, has been released from prison today after serving half of his 13-year sentence.
Background on the Case
Pistorius first gained international fame as the “Blade Runner”, competing on carbon-fiber blades due to being a double amputee below the knee since childhood. He made history by becoming the first amputee runner to compete at the 2012 London Olympics alongside able-bodied athletes.
However, just a few months later on February 14th 2013, he fatally shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp four times through a locked bathroom door in his home in Pretoria. Pistorius claimed he had mistaken her for an intruder, but prosecutors argued that he killed her intentionally after an argument.
In 2014, Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide – an offense comparable to manslaughter – and sentenced to 5 years in prison. After an appeal by prosecutors, a higher court later convicted him of murder and increased his sentence to 13 years.
Throughout the trials, the case captured global attention and sparked debate regarding domestic violence and gun ownership in South Africa. Steenkamp’s parents have consistently opposed Pistorius’ release.
| Date | Key Event |
|---|---|
| Feb 14, 2013 | Pistorius kills girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp |
| Sept 12, 2014 | Found guilty of culpable homicide, sentenced to 5 years |
| Dec 3, 2015 | Murder conviction, sentence increased to 6 years |
| Nov 24, 2017 | Sentence increased again to 13 years |
| Jan 5, 2024 | Released on parole after serving half of 13-year sentence |
Pistorius Walks Free Today
Earlier today, Oscar Pistorius walked out of Atteridgeville Correctional Centre a free man after serving a little over 9 years, or roughly half of his 13-year sentence for Steenkamp’s murder.
Pistorius had initially hoped to be assigned correctional supervision instead of jail time, which would have allowed him to serve his sentence at home. However, that request was rejected in September 2020 on the grounds that it would undermine the gravity of the offense.
According to South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services, Pistorius was released under strict parole conditions which will remain in effect until his sentence expires in December 2029. These include continuing psychotherapy sessions, prohibitions on handling firearms, and restrictions on his movement and media interactions.
The department stated: “The parole placement process of inmate Pistorius has been finalized. He will serve the remainder under strict parole conditions until sentence expiry.”
Mixed Reactions to Early Release
Reactions to news of Pistorius’ parole have been mixed across both South Africa and the world.
While some believe he has served adequate time given his accomplishments prior to the murder, others argue that the 9-10 years fails to reflect the seriousness of taking a human life, regardless of his disability and fame.
A spokesman for Reeva Steenkamp’s family told reporters they are very disappointed with the National Commissioner’s decision to release Pistorius so soon, as neither truth nor justice have prevailed. However, they will not pursue legal action and wish to move on with their lives instead.
Women’s rights groups in South Africa have also criticized the release as sending the wrong message regarding violence against women when gender-based violence remains endemic in the country.
Supporters of Pistorius point out that he will live under strict monitoring and already served a greater sentence than many convicted murderers in South Africa. Prosecutors did not oppose his parole during recent hearings.
Professor of Law at the University of South Africa, Dr. Ann Skelton, believes Pistorius still enjoys residual goodwill from some sectors of society regarding his achievements before the murder conviction:
“He was an icon for disability rights, determination, and perseverance in overcoming adversity. Some will remember that rather than solely viewing him as a convicted murderer.”
What Comes Next for Oscar Pistorius
Looking ahead, Pistorius will aim to quietly rebuild his life under restriction and probation until his sentence concludes at the end of 2029.
In the short term, he is expected to live with his uncle Arnold Pistorius in the rural town of Dewetsdorp. The house is well-secured should anyone seek retaliation against the notorious athlete and former Paralympic champion.
As to whether Pistorius will ever return to sports competition, experts consider a return highly unlikely given his age, physical condition, and required parole limitations. The International Paralympic Committee stripped Pistorius of his medals after the initial homicide conviction in 2014.
While Pistorius cannot change his past actions, his parole board determined that he is ready to re-enter South African society under supervision. The conditions of that supervision aim to protect society while allowing him a chance to positively move forward. Only time will tell if he makes the most of the opportunity.
This breaking news story used information found in these recently published reports to summarize the latest developments in Oscar Pistorius’ high-profile court saga:
Oscar Pistorius: South African to be freed on parole – BBC
Oscar Pistorius, South African sprinter convicted of murdering girlfriend, released on parole – CNN
Oscar Pistorius Is Released From Prison in South Africa – New York Times
Oscar Pistorius: Athlete is released from prison after serving half his sentence – BBC
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