Former South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius, infamous for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, 2013, has been released on parole after serving 11 years in prison. Pistorius, known as the “Blade Runner” for his state-of-the-art prosthetic legs, claimed he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder, firing four shots through the bathroom door of their Pretoria home. Initially convicted of culpable homicide in 2014, the Supreme Court of Appeal overturned it in 2015, sentencing him to 13 years and five months for murder in 2016.
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Following Pistorius’ release, June Steenkamp, Reeva’s mother, expressed mixed sentiments, questioning whether justice had been served. She released a statement, acknowledging the South African legal system’s parole process while emphasizing the perpetual life sentence endured by those left behind. June Steenkamp highlighted her commitment to the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation and her desire to live her remaining years in peace.
Parole Conditions and Public Reaction
Under South African law, Pistorius will be under strict parole conditions until 2029. These conditions include confinement to his uncle’s residence, mandatory programs, and restrictions on alcohol and media interviews. The Steenkamp family, while not opposing parole, voiced concerns about Pistorius’ rehabilitation, emphasizing the need for gender-based violence therapy. The release sparked public debates on justice, accountability, and the high rates of violence against women in South Africa.
Oscar Pistorius, once a celebrated Paralympian, now faces an uncertain future as he steps back into the public eye. His release puts a spotlight on the normalization of leniency for high-profile figures involved in gender-based violence. Reeva Steenkamp’s close friend, Gwyn Guscott, raised concerns about the potential impact of Pistorius using media attention to tell his version of events, hindering the healing process for the victim’s family. The case continues to divide public opinion on justice and accountability.