Former athlete Oscar Pistorius left Atteridgeville Prison today, Friday January 5, after serving half of his sentence (13 years) for the femicide of his model girlfriendReeva Steenkamp. According to South African authorities, the 37-year-old former athlete is already at home and has been released on probation.
“The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirms that Oscar Pistorius has been paroled effective January 5, 2024. He was entered into the community corrections system and is now at home,” the statement said.
Pistorius, who stood out at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, was murdered Reeva Steenkamp in February 2013 and was sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2017.
Oscar Pistorius was one of the most outstanding para-athletes in the world. Photo: El Heraldo.
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Mother Reeva Steenkamp speaks out
June Steenkamp, mother of Reeva Steenkamp, issued a statement on the release of Oscar Pistorius, emphasizing that she will not find justice after her daughter's femicide.
“Almost 11 years later, the pain is still raw and real. My dear late husband Barry and I could never come to terms with Reeva's death or the manner in which she died (…). While we remain grateful to the media, “The intense coverage of Oscar's trial, incarceration and parole was a double-edged sword. The media attention meant the loss of our privacy and made it difficult to mourn in peace,” said the letter published by local media.
“We have always known that probation is part of the South African legal system and we have always said that the law must take its course (…). Was there justice for Reeva? Has Oscar served enough time? There can never be justice if “your loved one never returns. Those of us who remain are the ones serving life sentences,” he concluded.