On Friday (Jan 5), South Africa's ex-Olympic runner&nbsp;Oscar&nbsp;Pistorius was&nbsp;released from prison on parole,&nbsp;almost 11 years after he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door on Feb 13, 2013.

Pistorius,&nbsp;known as the 'Blade Runner', became eligible for parole in March 2023 after serving half of his 13 years and five months sentence for killing his girlfriend. It is to be noted that he&nbsp;will not be allowed to speak to the media on account of&nbsp;the parole condition.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/oscar-pistorius-parole-explained-what-will-happen-to-former-paralympic-star-once-released-from-jail-675884">Oscar Pistorius parole: EXPLAINED! What will happen to former Paralympic star once released from jail</a>

<h2>WHAT HAPPENS TO OSCAR PISTORIUS ON RELEASE FROM PRISON?</h2>

It is to be noted that South Africa's Department of Correctional Services (DCS) made it clear, in November 2023, that the tainted ex-Olympic runner&nbsp;will complete the remainder of his sentence in the African nation's community corrections system. Thus, Pistorius&nbsp;will&nbsp;be under&nbsp;DCS'&nbsp;supervision. He&nbsp;will be subjected to parole conditions until his sentence&nbsp;ends five years later, in December 2029.

Notably, he will also be assigned a monitoring official. The official will&nbsp;be notified in advance regarding when&nbsp;Pistorius is seeking job opportunities or moving homes.

As part of the conditions of the parole, 37-year-old&nbsp;Pistorius will&nbsp;also attend various programmes focusing on gender-based violence. In addition, his therapy sessions&nbsp;on anger management (as claimed by a lawyer for the Steenkamp family) will continue.&nbsp;

As a Paralympian, Pistorius achieved some notable feats in his career.&nbsp;He is a&nbsp;Paralympic gold medalist in 200m, claiming three more gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Games and becoming the first double amputee to compete at the 2012 London Games. However, his life turned upside down after killing his girlfriend in early 2013.

On Friday (Jan 5), South Africa's ex-Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius was released from prison on parole, almost 11 years after he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door on Feb 13, 2013.

On Friday (Jan 5), South Africa's ex-Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius was released from prison on parole, almost 11 years after he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door on Feb 13, 2013. Pistorius, known as the 'Blade Runner', became eligible for parole in March 2023 after serving half of his 13 years and five months sentence for killing his girlfriend. It is to be noted that he will not be allowed to speak to the media on account of the parole condition. Also read: Oscar Pistorius parole: EXPLAINED! What will happen to former Paralympic star once released from jail WHAT HAPPENS TO OSCAR PISTORIUS ON RELEASE FROM PRISON? It is to be noted that South Africa's Department of Correctional Services (DCS) made it clear, in November 2023, that the tainted ex-Olympic runner will complete the remainder of his sentence in the African nation's community corrections system. Thus, Pistorius will be under DCS' supervision. He will be subjected to parole conditions until his sentence ends five years later, in December 2029. Notably, he will also be assigned a monitoring official. The official will be notified in advance regarding when Pistorius is seeking job opportunities or moving homes. As part of the conditions of the parole, 37-year-old Pistorius will also attend various programmes focusing on gender-based violence. In addition, his therapy sessions on anger management (as claimed by a lawyer for the Steenkamp family) will continue. As a Paralympian, Pistorius achieved some notable feats in his career. He is a Paralympic gold medalist in 200m, claiming three more gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Games and becoming the first double amputee to compete at the 2012 London Games. However, his life turned upside down after killing his girlfriend in early 2013.

South Africa's 'blade runner' Oscar Pistorius, sentenced for killing his girlfriend, released on parole

South Africa's former paralympic&nbsp;&nbsp;runner&nbsp;Oscar&nbsp;Pistorius was on Friday (Jan 5) released from prison on parole,&nbsp;almost 11 years after he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door on Feb 13, 2013.

Pistorius,&nbsp;known as the 'Blade Runner', became eligible for parole in March 2023 after serving half of his 13 years and five months sentence for killing Steenkamp. It is to be noted that he&nbsp;will not be allowed to speak to the media on account of&nbsp;the parole condition.

<h2>What happens to Oscar Pistorius on release from prison?</h2>

In Nov 2023, South Africa's Department of Correctional Services (DCS) made it clear&nbsp;that the tainted paralympian will complete the remainder of his sentence in the African nation's community corrections system. Thus, Pistorius&nbsp;will&nbsp;be under&nbsp;DCS'&nbsp;supervision. He&nbsp;will be subjected to parole conditions until his sentence&nbsp;ends five years later, in December 2029.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/oscar-pistorius-parole-explained-what-will-happen-to-former-paralympic-star-once-released-from-jail-675884">Oscar Pistorius parole: EXPLAINED! What will happen to former Paralympic star once released from jail</a>

Notably, he will also be assigned a monitoring official. The official will&nbsp;be notified in advance regarding when&nbsp;Pistorius is seeking job opportunities or moving homes.

As part of the conditions of the parole,&nbsp;the 37-year-old&nbsp;Pistorius will&nbsp;also&nbsp;attend various programmes focusing on gender-based violence. In addition, his therapy sessions&nbsp;on anger management&nbsp;will continue, as claimed by a lawyer for the Steenkamp family.&nbsp;

Before turning into a criminal, and shocking the entire sporting fraternity, Pistorius achieved some notable feats in his career.

He was a Paralympic gold medalist in 200m, claimed three more gold medals in 2008 Beijing Games and was the first double amputee to compete at 2012 London Games.

However, his life turned upside down after killing his girlfriend in early 2013. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

South Africa's former paralympic runner Oscar Pistorius was on Friday (Jan 5) released from prison on parole, almost 11 years after he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door on Feb 13, 2013.

South Africa's former paralympic runner Oscar Pistorius was on Friday (Jan 5) released from prison on parole, almost 11 years after he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door on Feb 13, 2013. Pistorius, known as the 'Blade Runner', became eligible for parole in March 2023 after serving half of his 13 years and five months sentence for killing Steenkamp. It is to be noted that he will not be allowed to speak to the media on account of the parole condition. What happens to Oscar Pistorius on release from prison? In Nov 2023, South Africa's Department of Correctional Services (DCS) made it clear that the tainted paralympian will complete the remainder of his sentence in the African nation's community corrections system. Thus, Pistorius will be under DCS' supervision. He will be subjected to parole conditions until his sentence ends five years later, in December 2029. Also read: Oscar Pistorius parole: EXPLAINED! What will happen to former Paralympic star once released from jail Notably, he will also be assigned a monitoring official. The official will be notified in advance regarding when Pistorius is seeking job opportunities or moving homes. As part of the conditions of the parole, the 37-year-old Pistorius will also attend various programmes focusing on gender-based violence. In addition, his therapy sessions on anger management will continue, as claimed by a lawyer for the Steenkamp family. Before turning into a criminal, and shocking the entire sporting fraternity, Pistorius achieved some notable feats in his career. He was a Paralympic gold medalist in 200m, claimed three more gold medals in 2008 Beijing Games and was the first double amputee to compete at 2012 London Games. However, his life turned upside down after killing his girlfriend in early 2013. (With inputs from agencies)

Oscar Pistorius, South Africa's 'blade runner' who killed his girlfriend in 2013, released on parole

Former Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius is set to be&nbsp;released from prison on Friday (Jan 5), on&nbsp;being granted parole&nbsp;nearly 11 years after killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013. Pistorius, widely known as the 'Blade Runner', became eligible for parole last year in March after serving half of his 13 years and five months sentence for the murder of his girlfriend. On Feb 14, in 2013, he shot his girlfriend&nbsp;Reeva through the locked bathroom door.

As soon as the news broke out about Pistorius being responsible for the death of&nbsp;Reeva, it shocked the entire sporting fraternity. He was taken into custody and the tainted athlete commenced his imprisonment in late 2014.&nbsp;

HERE IS WHAT&nbsp;WILL HAPPEN TO OSCAR&nbsp;PISTORIUS ON&nbsp;RELEASE -

It is to be noted that South Africa's Department of Correctional Services (DCS) claimed, in November 2023, that Pistorius will complete the remainder of his sentence in the country's community corrections system. Thus, the former Paralympic star will&nbsp;be under&nbsp;DCS' strict supervision. In addition, he&nbsp;will be subjected to parole conditions until his sentence eventually ends&nbsp;in December 2029.

Notably, he will be assigned a monitoring official. The official,&nbsp;in turn, will also be informed in advance regarding when&nbsp;Pistorius is seeking job opportunities or moving homes.

As part of the conditions, the 37-year-old&nbsp;Pistorius will&nbsp;have to attend various programmes focussing on gender-based violence and also continue with his therapy sessions on anger management (as claimed by a lawyer for the Steenkamp family). The tainted paralympic star is expected to reside in Pretoria after release.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/melissa-hoskins-family-reacts-to-olympic-cyclists-death-says-they-are-utterly-devastated-675840">Melissa Hoskins' family reacts to Olympic cyclist's death, says they are 'utterly devastated'</a>

WHAT FACTORS WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT&nbsp;FOR HIS EARLY RELEASE?

Pistorius' case became a huge talking point worldwide. Since his jail term kicked off, several&nbsp;factors were taken into consideration which eventually led to his early release; such as&nbsp;the nature of the crime, the possibility of reoffending, overall conduct in prison, physical and mental well-being and potential threats a prisoner might face on release.

Pistorius also took part in the restorative justice programme -- i.e. a system which came into the picture only after apartheid's end to deal with apartheid-era crimes in a more engaging and progressive way. He&nbsp;was moved to a prison closer to where the Steenkamp family was put in late 2021 before the reconciliation talks kicked off for a&nbsp;potential early release.

He and the late Barry Steenkamp - Reeva's father - even engaged in the victim-offender dialogue two years back on June 22.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/complete-timeline-of-paralympian-oscar-pistorius-journey-from-a-hero-to-murderer-before-parole-release-675586">Complete timeline of Paralympian Oscar Pistorius’ journey from a hero to murderer before parole release</a>

HOW PISTORIUS TURNED FROM A CHAMPION TO A MURDERER:

<ul>
	<li>2004 Athens Games – Oscar became a Paralympic gold medalist in&nbsp;200m.</li>
	<li>2008 Beijing Games – He went on to win&nbsp;three more gold medals, raising his stature.</li>
	<li>2012 London Games – Oscar became the first double amputee to compete at the Summer Games.</li>
	<li>2013 – On Feb 14, all hell broke loose as&nbsp;he shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, four times via the locked bathroom door.</li>
	<li>2013 – Feb 15 – Pistorius made heads turn as he was charged&nbsp;in a murder case by Pretoria court.</li>
	<li>2014 – Sep 12 – A high court judge convicted under&nbsp;culpable homicide.</li>
	<li>2014 – Oct 21 - The paralympic star began&nbsp;his&nbsp;five-year jail sentence.</li>
	<li>2015 – Aug 19 – South Africa’s justice minister blocked&nbsp;his expected release on parole after he served 10 months in jail.</li>
	<li>2015 – Oct 19 – Pistorius was released to house arrest to serve the remainder of his sentence at his uncle’s home in Pretoria.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>2015 – Dec 3 – The Supreme Court of Appeal found him guilty of murdering his girlfriend.</li>
	<li>2016 – Jun 6 – The Olympic athlete was sent&nbsp;to jail for six years.</li>
	<li>2017 – Nov 24 – Pistorius dealt a huge blow after the Supreme Court doubled&nbsp;his jail time to 13 years and five months, admitting to the state prosecutor’s argument that the original term was very&nbsp;'lenient.’&nbsp;</li>
	<li>2023 – Mar 31 – Prison authorities didn't allow his parole on grounds that&nbsp;Pistorius did not serve the minimum detention period.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>2023 – Oct – The Constitutional Court claimed that he&nbsp;had completed half his sentence by Mar 21, 2023;&nbsp;enabling&nbsp;him to apply&nbsp;for parole.</li>
	<li>2023 – Nov&nbsp; 23 – The Department of Correctional Services granted Pistorius' early&nbsp;release, effective from Jan 5, 2024.</li>
</ul>

LISTING PISTORIUS'&nbsp;GLORIOUS HIGHS BEFORE HE TURNED INTO&nbsp;A CRIMINAL:&nbsp;&nbsp;

-- 1xWorld Championships silver medallist 
-- 1xIn Top 8 at Olympic Games. 
-- 2xAfrican Championships Silver medallist. 
-- 2xNational champion.

Pistorius turned from hero to a murderer in a flash in 2013 after being framed for&nbsp;murder. While he has worked on himself in prison, after committing an unforgiving crime, the paralympic athlete's life has certainly turned upside down with only himself to blame. After his release, he will be monitored by the DCS as well as the whole sporting fraternity.

Irrespective of his conduct from now on, it is safe to claim that his&nbsp;image has been heavily tarnished&nbsp;and might never&nbsp;be restored in his remaining lifetime.&nbsp;

Former Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius is set to be released from prison on Friday (Jan 5), on being granted parole nearly 11 years after killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.

Former Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius is set to be released from prison on Friday (Jan 5), on being granted parole nearly 11 years after killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013. Pistorius, widely known as the 'Blade Runner', became eligible for parole last year in March after serving half of his 13 years and five months sentence for the murder of his girlfriend. On Feb 14, in 2013, he shot his girlfriend Reeva through the locked bathroom door. As soon as the news broke out about Pistorius being responsible for the death of Reeva, it shocked the entire sporting fraternity. He was taken into custody and the tainted athlete commenced his imprisonment in late 2014. HERE IS WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO OSCAR PISTORIUS ON RELEASE - It is to be noted that South Africa's Department of Correctional Services (DCS) claimed, in November 2023, that Pistorius will complete the remainder of his sentence in the country's community corrections system. Thus, the former Paralympic star will be under DCS' strict supervision. In addition, he will be subjected to parole conditions until his sentence eventually ends in December 2029. Notably, he will be assigned a monitoring official. The official, in turn, will also be informed in advance regarding when Pistorius is seeking job opportunities or moving homes. As part of the conditions, the 37-year-old Pistorius will have to attend various programmes focussing on gender-based violence and also continue with his therapy sessions on anger management (as claimed by a lawyer for the Steenkamp family). The tainted paralympic star is expected to reside in Pretoria after release. Also read: Melissa Hoskins' family reacts to Olympic cyclist's death, says they are 'utterly devastated' WHAT FACTORS WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT FOR HIS EARLY RELEASE? Pistorius' case became a huge talking point worldwide. Since his jail term kicked off, several factors were taken into consideration which eventually led to his early release; such as the nature of the crime, the possibility of reoffending, overall conduct in prison, physical and mental well-being and potential threats a prisoner might face on release. Pistorius also took part in the restorative justice programme -- i.e. a system which came into the picture only after apartheid's end to deal with apartheid-era crimes in a more engaging and progressive way. He was moved to a prison closer to where the Steenkamp family was put in late 2021 before the reconciliation talks kicked off for a potential early release. He and the late Barry Steenkamp - Reeva's father - even engaged in the victim-offender dialogue two years back on June 22. Also read: Complete timeline of Paralympian Oscar Pistorius’ journey from a hero to murderer before parole release HOW PISTORIUS TURNED FROM A CHAMPION TO A MURDERER: 2004 Athens Games – Oscar became a Paralympic gold medalist in 200m. 2008 Beijing Games – He went on to win three more gold medals, raising his stature. 2012 London Games – Oscar became the first double amputee to compete at the Summer Games. 2013 – On Feb 14, all hell broke loose as he shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, four times via the locked bathroom door. 2013 – Feb 15 – Pistorius made heads turn as he was charged in a murder case by Pretoria court. 2014 – Sep 12 – A high court judge convicted under culpable homicide. 2014 – Oct 21 - The paralympic star began his five-year jail sentence. 2015 – Aug 19 – South Africa’s justice minister blocked his expected release on parole after he served 10 months in jail. 2015 – Oct 19 – Pistorius was released to house arrest to serve the remainder of his sentence at his uncle’s home in Pretoria. 2015 – Dec 3 – The Supreme Court of Appeal found him guilty of murdering his girlfriend. 2016 – Jun 6 – The Olympic athlete was sent to jail for six years. 2017 – Nov 24 – Pistorius dealt a huge blow after the Supreme Court doubled his jail time to 13 years and five months, admitting to the state prosecutor’s argument that the original term was very 'lenient.’ 2023 – Mar 31 – Prison authorities didn't allow his parole on grounds that Pistorius did not serve the minimum detention period. 2023 – Oct – The Constitutional Court claimed that he had completed half his sentence by Mar 21, 2023; enabling him to apply for parole. 2023 – Nov 23 – The Department of Correctional Services granted Pistorius' early release, effective from Jan 5, 2024. LISTING PISTORIUS' GLORIOUS HIGHS BEFORE HE TURNED INTO A CRIMINAL: -- 1xWorld Championships silver medallist -- 1xIn Top 8 at Olympic Games. -- 2xAfrican Championships Silver medallist. -- 2xNational champion. Pistorius turned from hero to a murderer in a flash in 2013 after being framed for murder. While he has worked on himself in prison, after committing an unforgiving crime, the paralympic athlete's life has certainly turned upside down with only himself to blame. After his release, he will be monitored by the DCS as well as the whole sporting fraternity. Irrespective of his conduct from now on, it is safe to claim that his image has been heavily tarnished and might never be restored in his remaining lifetime.

Oscar Pistorius parole: EXPLAINED! What will happen to former Paralympic star once released from jail

Almost 11 years after murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his Pretoria home on Valentine’s Day in 2013, the former Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius is to be freed from jail on parole on January 5, 2024.

Oscar shot his girlfriend multiple times through a locked bathroom door, claiming to be mistaking her for a burglar. Oscar, 37 now, was sentenced by a South African court in 2016 to 13 years and five months in prison.

As reported earlier on November 24, per the Department of Correctional Services, the authorities will monitor Oscar until his sentence officially expires ‘just like all other parolees’.&nbsp;

Whether Oscar wishes to buy a house or get a job during this time, he will notify his parole officer.

Meanwhile, in a letter read out to the parole board earlier during the hearing, Ms Steenkamp's mother said she did not oppose his release but wondered whether his anger issues were truly dealt with during his time in prison. She added she is concerned about the safety of any other woman who shares proximity with the former Paralympic champion.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-pga-tour-works-to-extend-active-and-productive-saudi-merger-talks-675457">Golf: PGA Tour works to extend 'active and productive' Saudi merger talks</a>

June Steenkamp chose not to attend his parole hearing, saying, ‘I simply cannot muster the energy to face him again at this stage.’

However, with him now set to be freed on January 5 on parole, let us all look at the complete timeline of his journey from being a hero to a murderer.

A complete timeline of Oscar Pistorius' journey from being a Paralympic champion to a convicted murderer –

<ul>
	<li>2004 Athens Games – Oscar becomes a Paralympic gold medalist in the 200m</li>
	<li>2008 Beijing Games – He further wins three gold medals</li>
	<li>2012 London Games – Oscar becomes the first double amputee to compete at the Summer Games, reaching the semis in 400m and winning two golds.</li>
	<li>2013 – February 14, he shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, four times through the locked bathroom door.</li>
	<li>2013 – February 15 – Charged in a murder case by Pretoria court.</li>
	<li>2014 – September 12 – A high court judge convicts him of culpable homicide.</li>
	<li>2014 – October 21 - Oscar begins a 5-year jail sentence.</li>
	<li>2015 – August 19 – South Africa’s justice minister blocks his expected release on parole after he had served ten months of his five-year jail sentence.</li>
	<li>2015 – October 19 – Oscar was released to house arrest to serve the remainder of his sentence at his uncle’s home in Pretoria’s wealthy suburb.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>2015 – December 3 – The Supreme Court of Appeal finds him guilty of murdering his girlfriend, adding he should have foreseen the possibility of killing someone while firing shots.</li>
	<li>2016 – June 6 – Sent to jail for six years.</li>
	<li>2017 – November 24 – The Supreme Court doubles his jail time to 13 years and five months, accepting the state prosecutor’s argument that the original term was ‘shockingly lenient.’&nbsp;</li>
	<li>2023 – March 31 – Prison authorities denied Oscar parole, claiming he did not serve the minimum detention period required.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>2023 – October – The Constitutional Court said Oscar completed half his sentence by March 21, 2023, making him eligible for parole.</li>
	<li>2023 – November 23 – The Department of Correctional Services said Oscar would be released on parole effective from January 5, 2024.</li>
</ul>

Almost 11 years after murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his Pretoria home on Valentine’s Day in 2013, the former Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius is to be freed from jail on parole on January 5, 2024.

Almost 11 years after murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his Pretoria home on Valentine’s Day in 2013, the former Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius is to be freed from jail on parole on January 5, 2024. Oscar shot his girlfriend multiple times through a locked bathroom door, claiming to be mistaking her for a burglar. Oscar, 37 now, was sentenced by a South African court in 2016 to 13 years and five months in prison. As reported earlier on November 24, per the Department of Correctional Services, the authorities will monitor Oscar until his sentence officially expires ‘just like all other parolees’. Whether Oscar wishes to buy a house or get a job during this time, he will notify his parole officer. Meanwhile, in a letter read out to the parole board earlier during the hearing, Ms Steenkamp's mother said she did not oppose his release but wondered whether his anger issues were truly dealt with during his time in prison. She added she is concerned about the safety of any other woman who shares proximity with the former Paralympic champion. ALSO READ: Golf: PGA Tour works to extend 'active and productive' Saudi merger talks June Steenkamp chose not to attend his parole hearing, saying, ‘I simply cannot muster the energy to face him again at this stage.’ However, with him now set to be freed on January 5 on parole, let us all look at the complete timeline of his journey from being a hero to a murderer. A complete timeline of Oscar Pistorius' journey from being a Paralympic champion to a convicted murderer – 2004 Athens Games – Oscar becomes a Paralympic gold medalist in the 200m 2008 Beijing Games – He further wins three gold medals 2012 London Games – Oscar becomes the first double amputee to compete at the Summer Games, reaching the semis in 400m and winning two golds. 2013 – February 14, he shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, four times through the locked bathroom door. 2013 – February 15 – Charged in a murder case by Pretoria court. 2014 – September 12 – A high court judge convicts him of culpable homicide. 2014 – October 21 - Oscar begins a 5-year jail sentence. 2015 – August 19 – South Africa’s justice minister blocks his expected release on parole after he had served ten months of his five-year jail sentence. 2015 – October 19 – Oscar was released to house arrest to serve the remainder of his sentence at his uncle’s home in Pretoria’s wealthy suburb. 2015 – December 3 – The Supreme Court of Appeal finds him guilty of murdering his girlfriend, adding he should have foreseen the possibility of killing someone while firing shots. 2016 – June 6 – Sent to jail for six years. 2017 – November 24 – The Supreme Court doubles his jail time to 13 years and five months, accepting the state prosecutor’s argument that the original term was ‘shockingly lenient.’ 2023 – March 31 – Prison authorities denied Oscar parole, claiming he did not serve the minimum detention period required. 2023 – October – The Constitutional Court said Oscar completed half his sentence by March 21, 2023, making him eligible for parole. 2023 – November 23 – The Department of Correctional Services said Oscar would be released on parole effective from January 5, 2024.

Complete timeline of Paralympian Oscar Pistorius’ journey from a hero to murderer before parole release

Former South African paralympian Oscar Pistorius was granted an early release from prison on Friday (Nov 24), several years&nbsp;after being proven guilty of fatally shooting his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Upon reviewing his chances of being fit for social reintegration, a parole board decided to put him on parole from January 5, the Department of Correctional Services said.

"Mr Pistorius will complete the remainder of the sentence in the system of community corrections and will be subjected to supervision in compliance with parole conditions until his sentence expires,” the statement read.

After Pistorius lost his first bid in March when the board found him not completing the minimum detention period needed to be exempted, Steenkamp's mother asked for a stay on his parole, as she didn’t believe Oscar was rehabilitated, for he had not shown true remorse.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-golfer-bernd-wiesberger-to-compete-in-dp-world-tour-2024-after-liv-stint-662323">Australian golfer Bernd Wiesberger to compete in DP World Tour 2024 after LIV stint</a>

"Rehabilitation requires someone to engage honestly, with the full truth of his crime and the consequences thereof. Nobody can claim to have remorse if they're not able to engage fully with the truth," June Steenkamp said in a statement to the board. &nbsp;

However, Steenkamp's spokesman informed the board of her decision not to oppose parole for Pistorius.

The hearing took place at a correctional centre outside Pretoria, where he is currently detained.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

Known worldwide as the "Blade Runner" for his carbon-fibre prosthetics, Oscar killed his girlfriend, a model, in the early hours of Valentine’s Day 2013, shooting her four times through the bathroom door of his super-secured Pretoria house.

Oscar was found guilty of murdering her and was sentenced to 13-year jail term in 2017 following a lengthy trial and several appeals.

However, during the trials earlier, he pleaded not guilty and denied killing his girlfriend in a fit of rage, adding he mistook her for a burglar.

Former South African paralympian Oscar Pistorius was granted an early release from prison on Friday (Nov 24), several years after being proven guilty of fatally shooting his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Former South African paralympian Oscar Pistorius was granted an early release from prison on Friday (Nov 24), several years after being proven guilty of fatally shooting his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Upon reviewing his chances of being fit for social reintegration, a parole board decided to put him on parole from January 5, the Department of Correctional Services said. "Mr Pistorius will complete the remainder of the sentence in the system of community corrections and will be subjected to supervision in compliance with parole conditions until his sentence expires,” the statement read. After Pistorius lost his first bid in March when the board found him not completing the minimum detention period needed to be exempted, Steenkamp's mother asked for a stay on his parole, as she didn’t believe Oscar was rehabilitated, for he had not shown true remorse. ALSO READ: Australian golfer Bernd Wiesberger to compete in DP World Tour 2024 after LIV stint "Rehabilitation requires someone to engage honestly, with the full truth of his crime and the consequences thereof. Nobody can claim to have remorse if they're not able to engage fully with the truth," June Steenkamp said in a statement to the board. However, Steenkamp's spokesman informed the board of her decision not to oppose parole for Pistorius. The hearing took place at a correctional centre outside Pretoria, where he is currently detained. What happened? Known worldwide as the "Blade Runner" for his carbon-fibre prosthetics, Oscar killed his girlfriend, a model, in the early hours of Valentine’s Day 2013, shooting her four times through the bathroom door of his super-secured Pretoria house. Oscar was found guilty of murdering her and was sentenced to 13-year jail term in 2017 following a lengthy trial and several appeals. However, during the trials earlier, he pleaded not guilty and denied killing his girlfriend in a fit of rage, adding he mistook her for a burglar.

Oscar Pistorius, ex-paralympian convicted of girlfriend's murder, granted early release from prison

At the 2012 London Olympics, before 80,000 roaring fans and a constellation of camera flashes, it took Oscar Pistorius 45.44 seconds to become a global icon. The South African's 400-metre sprint was the first time in history that a double-amputee had raced at the Olympic Games. It capped an Olympian triumph over adversity for Pistorius. His journey from disabled child to world-class athlete seemed to embody the very best of sporting endeavour and the human spirit.

Then in the early hours of Valentine's Day, 2013, at his upmarket Pretoria home, he shot and killed his 29-year-old model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. He later said he had believed her to be an intruder. Pistorius's world imploded and his 2014 trial saw him sat for months in a windowless courtroom.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl-billionaire-josh-harris-nba-icon-earvin-johnson-team-in-bid-for-commanders-reports-577426">NFL: Billionaire Josh Harris, NBA icon Earvin Johnson team in bid for Commanders - Reports</a>

A sparkling career was cut short, sponsors dumped him and he was forced to sell his homes to cover mounting legal bills. A five-year conviction for manslaughter was upgraded to murder on appeal and in July 2016, he was sentenced to six years, less than half the minimum term for the charge.

The athlete had sobbed, shaken and vomited in the dock as details of his lover's brutal death were examined in excruciating detail as the world watched transfixed.

In 2017, the Supreme Court of Appeal more than doubled that jail term to 13 years and five months after the state appealed that it had been unduly lenient. Prosecutors had argued that Pistorius failed to show genuine remorse.

"He's not only broke, but he is broken, there is nothing left," lawyer Barry Roux told his sentencing hearing in 2016.

Now a decade after the killing, he is facing a parole hearing that could see him released early from prison.

- Darker side -

The high-profile proceedings exposed the now 36-year-old's darker side: offering glimpses of a dangerously volatile man with a penchant for guns, beautiful women and fast cars.

<ul>
	<li>In 2009, he had spent a night in jail after allegedly assaulting a 19-year-old woman at a party in a case that was settled out of court.</li>
	<li>Two years later, he was accused of firing a gun through the sunroof of an ex-girlfriend's moving car, although a court found there was not enough evidence to convict him on that charge.</li>
	<li>Weeks before he shot Steenkamp, he discharged a gun by accident at a Johannesburg restaurant.</li>
	<li>The sprinter slept with a pistol under his bed at his home in a high-security estate for fear of burglars.</li>
	<li>He was once detained in Amsterdam after gunpowder residue was detected on his prosthetics and he took a New York Times journalist interviewing him to a shooting range.</li>
	<li>He once crashed his boat on a river, breaking two ribs, an eye socket and his jaw. Empty alcohol bottles were found in the boat.</li>
	<li>At one point he owned two white tigers but sold them to a zoo in Canada when they became too big.</li>
</ul>

- 'Put your legs on' -

Born in 1986 in Johannesburg without fibulas (calf bones), his parents decided when he was 11 months old to have his legs amputated below the knee so he could be fitted with prosthetic legs. This allowed him to play sports and he excelled, concentrating on running only after fracturing a knee playing rugby.

"It was never made an issue. My mother would say to my brother, 'You put on your shoes, and Oscar, you put on your legs, and then meet me at the car,'" Pistorius said in a 2011 interview.

A middle child whose parents divorced when he was six, he has had a problematic relationship with his father Henke, but was close to his siblings, who were at his side in court. His mother died when he was 15 and the date of her death is tattooed on his arm.

In 2004, just eight months after taking to the track, he smashed the 200m world record at the Athens Paralympics. Next up was the 2008 Beijing Paralympics Games where he took the 100m, 200m and 400m sprint titles and launched a battle to take part in able-bodied athletics, overcoming arguments that his custom-built carbon-fibre running blades gave him an unfair advantage.

In 2011, he became the first amputee to run at the World Championships, winning silver with South Africa's 4x400m sprint team.

"You're not disabled by your disabilities but abled by your abilities," he told Athlete magazine in an interview that year.

In 2012, he again made history by becoming the first double-amputee to compete at both the Olympics and Paralympics.

"He is the definition of global inspiration," Time magazine proclaimed in its 2012 list of the world's most influential people.

Less than a year later, Pistorius featured on the cover with the words "Man, Superman, Gunman".

At the 2012 London Olympics, before 80,000 roaring fans and a constellation of camera flashes, it took Oscar Pistorius 45.44 seconds to become a global icon. The South African's 400-metre sprint was the first time in history that a double-amputee had raced at the Olympic Games.

At the 2012 London Olympics, before 80,000 roaring fans and a constellation of camera flashes, it took Oscar Pistorius 45.44 seconds to become a global icon. The South African's 400-metre sprint was the first time in history that a double-amputee had raced at the Olympic Games. It capped an Olympian triumph over adversity for Pistorius. His journey from disabled child to world-class athlete seemed to embody the very best of sporting endeavour and the human spirit. Then in the early hours of Valentine's Day, 2013, at his upmarket Pretoria home, he shot and killed his 29-year-old model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. He later said he had believed her to be an intruder. Pistorius's world imploded and his 2014 trial saw him sat for months in a windowless courtroom. ALSO READ: NFL: Billionaire Josh Harris, NBA icon Earvin Johnson team in bid for Commanders - Reports A sparkling career was cut short, sponsors dumped him and he was forced to sell his homes to cover mounting legal bills. A five-year conviction for manslaughter was upgraded to murder on appeal and in July 2016, he was sentenced to six years, less than half the minimum term for the charge. The athlete had sobbed, shaken and vomited in the dock as details of his lover's brutal death were examined in excruciating detail as the world watched transfixed. In 2017, the Supreme Court of Appeal more than doubled that jail term to 13 years and five months after the state appealed that it had been unduly lenient. Prosecutors had argued that Pistorius failed to show genuine remorse. "He's not only broke, but he is broken, there is nothing left," lawyer Barry Roux told his sentencing hearing in 2016. Now a decade after the killing, he is facing a parole hearing that could see him released early from prison. - Darker side - The high-profile proceedings exposed the now 36-year-old's darker side: offering glimpses of a dangerously volatile man with a penchant for guns, beautiful women and fast cars. In 2009, he had spent a night in jail after allegedly assaulting a 19-year-old woman at a party in a case that was settled out of court. Two years later, he was accused of firing a gun through the sunroof of an ex-girlfriend's moving car, although a court found there was not enough evidence to convict him on that charge. Weeks before he shot Steenkamp, he discharged a gun by accident at a Johannesburg restaurant. The sprinter slept with a pistol under his bed at his home in a high-security estate for fear of burglars. He was once detained in Amsterdam after gunpowder residue was detected on his prosthetics and he took a New York Times journalist interviewing him to a shooting range. He once crashed his boat on a river, breaking two ribs, an eye socket and his jaw. Empty alcohol bottles were found in the boat. At one point he owned two white tigers but sold them to a zoo in Canada when they became too big. - 'Put your legs on' - Born in 1986 in Johannesburg without fibulas (calf bones), his parents decided when he was 11 months old to have his legs amputated below the knee so he could be fitted with prosthetic legs. This allowed him to play sports and he excelled, concentrating on running only after fracturing a knee playing rugby. "It was never made an issue. My mother would say to my brother, 'You put on your shoes, and Oscar, you put on your legs, and then meet me at the car,'" Pistorius said in a 2011 interview. A middle child whose parents divorced when he was six, he has had a problematic relationship with his father Henke, but was close to his siblings, who were at his side in court. His mother died when he was 15 and the date of her death is tattooed on his arm. In 2004, just eight months after taking to the track, he smashed the 200m world record at the Athens Paralympics. Next up was the 2008 Beijing Paralympics Games where he took the 100m, 200m and 400m sprint titles and launched a battle to take part in able-bodied athletics, overcoming arguments that his custom-built carbon-fibre running blades gave him an unfair advantage. In 2011, he became the first amputee to run at the World Championships, winning silver with South Africa's 4x400m sprint team. "You're not disabled by your disabilities but abled by your abilities," he told Athlete magazine in an interview that year. In 2012, he again made history by becoming the first double-amputee to compete at both the Olympics and Paralympics. "He is the definition of global inspiration," Time magazine proclaimed in its 2012 list of the world's most influential people. Less than a year later, Pistorius featured on the cover with the words "Man, Superman, Gunman".

Olympic hero, murder convict, free man: Oscar Pistorius the Paralympian who loved fast cars, guns and women

South African paralympic star Oscar Pistorius could soon be out of jail after the latest rounds of hearings on his parole. It is claimed that the disgraced Paralympian star could be released from prison in South Africa 'within weeks' after being eligible for parole. Having served half of his sentence, Pistorius is automatically eligible for parole having allegedly murdered his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his home in 2013.

<h2>Pistorius to be out on parole?</h2>

It is reported that the Parole Board will consider Pistorius's plea on March 31, a decade after the alleged incident took place. Pistorius has since been in police custody having been shot four times through his bathroom door in the early hours of Valentine's Day in 2013. The announcement of the parole hearing comes after it was revealed by the authorities that Pistorius will be given 24-hour police protection upon his release, due to fears of attacks. In the meantime, Henke Pistorius, father of Oscar has claimed that his son has been a spiritual leader behind the bars.&nbsp;

"I do not doubt that Oscar has changed the environment in the prison for the better," Henke said.&nbsp;

"He is helping to mediate between people and is having a positive influence. He can feel he is making a difference to others who really needed a difference to be made — to give their lives meaning, purpose and some hope.&nbsp;

"As a result, things have also improved for him. It's a wonderful story."

After the incident took place in 2013, it was claimed that Steenkamp's parents had forgiven Pistorius, but later turn their back as he failed to accept the charges. Blade Runner claimed that he had shot Reeva unintentionally while her parents claimed that the act was deliberate.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-loses-3rd-test-match-against-australia-heres-how-india-can-still-qualify-for-wtc-final-match-568035">India loses 3rd Test match against Australia, Here's how India can still qualify for WTC final match</a>

<h2>Claims by&nbsp;Steenkamp's family</h2>

"I told Oscar directly that he had shot my daughter deliberately and he denied it. He stuck to his story that he thought it was an intruder. After all these years we are still waiting for him to admit he did it in anger. That is all we wanted.

"If he told me the truth, he would have been a free man by now and I would have let the law take its course over his parole. But I was wasting my time. He is a murderer. He should remain in jail," Barry Steenkamp said while addressing the case.

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria originally sentenced Pistorius to six years in prison in October 2014, which was later doubled to 13 years on appeal of the prosecutors.&nbsp;

South African paralympic star Oscar Pistorius could soon be out of jail after the latest rounds of hearings on his parole. It is claimed that the disgraced Paralympian star could be released from prison in South Africa 'within weeks' after being eligible for parole.

South African paralympic star Oscar Pistorius could soon be out of jail after the latest rounds of hearings on his parole. It is claimed that the disgraced Paralympian star could be released from prison in South Africa 'within weeks' after being eligible for parole. Having served half of his sentence, Pistorius is automatically eligible for parole having allegedly murdered his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his home in 2013. Pistorius to be out on parole? It is reported that the Parole Board will consider Pistorius's plea on March 31, a decade after the alleged incident took place. Pistorius has since been in police custody having been shot four times through his bathroom door in the early hours of Valentine's Day in 2013. The announcement of the parole hearing comes after it was revealed by the authorities that Pistorius will be given 24-hour police protection upon his release, due to fears of attacks. In the meantime, Henke Pistorius, father of Oscar has claimed that his son has been a spiritual leader behind the bars. "I do not doubt that Oscar has changed the environment in the prison for the better," Henke said. "He is helping to mediate between people and is having a positive influence. He can feel he is making a difference to others who really needed a difference to be made — to give their lives meaning, purpose and some hope. "As a result, things have also improved for him. It's a wonderful story." After the incident took place in 2013, it was claimed that Steenkamp's parents had forgiven Pistorius, but later turn their back as he failed to accept the charges. Blade Runner claimed that he had shot Reeva unintentionally while her parents claimed that the act was deliberate. ALSO READ | India loses 3rd Test match against Australia, Here's how India can still qualify for WTC final match Claims by Steenkamp's family "I told Oscar directly that he had shot my daughter deliberately and he denied it. He stuck to his story that he thought it was an intruder. After all these years we are still waiting for him to admit he did it in anger. That is all we wanted. "If he told me the truth, he would have been a free man by now and I would have let the law take its course over his parole. But I was wasting my time. He is a murderer. He should remain in jail," Barry Steenkamp said while addressing the case. The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria originally sentenced Pistorius to six years in prison in October 2014, which was later doubled to 13 years on appeal of the prosecutors.

Jailed South African paralympic star Oscar Pistorius seeks parole; could be released 'within weeks'

South African Paralympic champion Oscar&nbsp;Pistorius, who was jailed for 13 years for murdering his girlfriend, has asked the courts to force prison authorities to consider him for parole, a lawyer said Wednesday.

Pistorius, 35, shot dead Reeva Steenkamp, a model, while she was in the bathroom in the early hours of Valentine's Day in 2013. He said he thought a burglar was hiding in his en-suite bathroom when he fired four times through the door. He was found guilty of murder and started serving his sentence in 2014. His lawyer Julian Knight told AFP that the athlete was seeking an order to force authorities to hold a parole hearing.

"It's an application to compel the parole board to convene a hearing for his consideration for parole," said Knight.&nbsp; "It doesn't mean he must be placed on parole, but that he must be considered," he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jury-discharged-following-failure-to-reach-verdict-in-ryan-giggs-assault-trial-511860">Jury discharged following failure to reach verdict in Ryan Giggs assault trial</a>

No hearing date has been set yet, he said, refusing to give further details. To be considered for parole in South Africa, an offender must first serve half their term. In July, the Correctional Services department confirmed that a meeting had taken place the previous month between&nbsp;Pistorius&nbsp;and Steenkamp's parents.

The encounter was part of&nbsp;Pistorius' rehabilitation, something that is also a requirement to be able to apply for parole. Known worldwide as the "Blade Runner" because of his carbon-fibre prosthetics,&nbsp;Pistorius&nbsp;became the first double-amputee to race at the Olympics when he competed at the London 2012 games, a year before he shot Steenkamp.

South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius, who was jailed for 13 years for murdering his girlfriend, has asked the courts to force prison authorities to consider him for parole, a lawyer said Wednesday.

South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius, who was jailed for 13 years for murdering his girlfriend, has asked the courts to force prison authorities to consider him for parole, a lawyer said Wednesday. Pistorius, 35, shot dead Reeva Steenkamp, a model, while she was in the bathroom in the early hours of Valentine's Day in 2013. He said he thought a burglar was hiding in his en-suite bathroom when he fired four times through the door. He was found guilty of murder and started serving his sentence in 2014. His lawyer Julian Knight told AFP that the athlete was seeking an order to force authorities to hold a parole hearing. "It's an application to compel the parole board to convene a hearing for his consideration for parole," said Knight. "It doesn't mean he must be placed on parole, but that he must be considered," he said. ALSO READ | Jury discharged following failure to reach verdict in Ryan Giggs assault trial No hearing date has been set yet, he said, refusing to give further details. To be considered for parole in South Africa, an offender must first serve half their term. In July, the Correctional Services department confirmed that a meeting had taken place the previous month between Pistorius and Steenkamp's parents. The encounter was part of Pistorius' rehabilitation, something that is also a requirement to be able to apply for parole. Known worldwide as the "Blade Runner" because of his carbon-fibre prosthetics, Pistorius became the first double-amputee to race at the Olympics when he competed at the London 2012 games, a year before he shot Steenkamp.

South Africa's Paralympian Oscar Pistorius presses hard for parole, goes to court

Eight years after he shot dead his girlfriend, Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius is up for parole, but first he must meet with her parents. Pistorius, a world-famous double-amputee athlete who competed at the 2012 Olympics, has been eligible for parole since July after he was convicted of murder for shooting model Reva Steenkamp multiple times through a toilet door in his home on Valentine's Day 2013.

Pistorius was convicted of murder in 2015 and ultimately sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison. He became eligible for parole under South African law after serving half his sentence. A parole hearing for Pistorius was scheduled for last month and then canceled, partly because a meeting between Pistorius and Steenkamp's parents, Barry and June, had not been arranged, lawyers for both parties told The Associated Press on Monday. 
Corrections department officials scheduled the parole hearing for October but it was called off when a full report on Pistorius' time in prison wasn't available, said Julian Knight, a lawyer for Pistorius. The date for a new hearing has not yet been set, Knight said.

Also, Barry and June Steenkamp want a face-to-face meeting with Pistorius before he is considered for early release from prison, as is their right under South Africa's victim-offender dialogue policy. The Steenkamps have previously said they want to challenge Pistorius on why he shot their daughter and they would get to do that, with victim-offender meetings aimed at achieving some kind of closure for families of victims of crimes. They (Barry and June) feel that Reeva has got a voice. They are Reeva's voice, and they owe it to their beloved daughter,? said Tania Koen, the Steenkamps' lawyer.

The Steenkamps will also be allowed to make recommendations to the parole board, although Koen wouldn't say if they will oppose Pistorius' release.We have discussed it,? Koen said, but declined to give details. The opinion of victims' families is considered by a parole board when deciding whether to release an offender, but it's not the only criteria.

The 34-year-old Pistorius could be taken from where he is incarcerated at the Atteridgeville Correctional Center in the capital, Pretoria, to the Steenkamps' home city of Gqerberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) for the victim-offender meeting because, according to Koen, Barry Steenkamp is unable to travel due to his health. Pistorius lawyer Knight said it might turn out that way but the corrections department would decide. Knight said he was hopeful that the meeting between Pistorius and the Steenkamps, which must happen before a parole hearing, could take place by the end of the year.

It was a huge surprise&nbsp;for the Steenkamps when corrections services officials contacted them last month to say that Pistorius is eligible for parole, Koen said. They believed he would only be eligible in 2023, she said. (It) opens a lot of wounds, or rips off the plasters they had put on those wounds,&nbsp;Koen said. The confusion over when he would be eligible emanated from Pistorius' long and protracted murder trial and two subsequent appeals by prosecutors. Pistorius went on trial in 2014 and his case was only finalized in 2018.

The multiple Paralympic champion was initially found guilty of culpable homicide,&nbsp;an offense comparable to manslaughter&nbsp;for shooting Steenkamp with his licensed 9 mm pistol. He claimed at his trial it was a tragic accident and he mistook her for a dangerous intruder.

Prosecutors appealed the manslaughter finding and secured a murder conviction. Pistorius was sentenced to six years in jail for murder, but prosecutors again appealed what they called a shockingly light punishment for murder. The Supreme Court of Appeal then more than doubled his sentence in 2017. Knight later sought clarification over the sentence from the Supreme Court to see if the time Pistorius had already served in prison for culpable homicide should count toward his parole. It did, Knight said, meaning Pistorius could be considered for parole two years earlier than courts had initially indicated.

Knight said he believed Pistorius had met the requirements to be released early. From what I have observed of him he has been a model prisoner while he has been in prison,? Knight said. My view is that he does meet the requirements to be placed on parole but the procedures must be followed. Knight said a parole board could impose a range of conditions on Pistorius if he is released, like only being allowed to leave home to go to work during the week, and only for a limited time on weekends to buy groceries and attend church.

Eight years after he shot dead his girlfriend, Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius is up for parole, but first he must meet with her parents. Pistorius, a world-famous double-amputee athlete who competed at the 2012 Olympics, has been eligible for parole since July after he was convicted of murder for shooting model Reva Steenkamp multiple times through a toilet door in his home on Valentine's Day 2013.

Eight years after he shot dead his girlfriend, Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius is up for parole, but first he must meet with her parents. Pistorius, a world-famous double-amputee athlete who competed at the 2012 Olympics, has been eligible for parole since July after he was convicted of murder for shooting model Reva Steenkamp multiple times through a toilet door in his home on Valentine's Day 2013. Pistorius was convicted of murder in 2015 and ultimately sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison. He became eligible for parole under South African law after serving half his sentence. A parole hearing for Pistorius was scheduled for last month and then canceled, partly because a meeting between Pistorius and Steenkamp's parents, Barry and June, had not been arranged, lawyers for both parties told The Associated Press on Monday. Corrections department officials scheduled the parole hearing for October but it was called off when a full report on Pistorius' time in prison wasn't available, said Julian Knight, a lawyer for Pistorius. The date for a new hearing has not yet been set, Knight said. Also, Barry and June Steenkamp want a face-to-face meeting with Pistorius before he is considered for early release from prison, as is their right under South Africa's victim-offender dialogue policy. The Steenkamps have previously said they want to challenge Pistorius on why he shot their daughter and they would get to do that, with victim-offender meetings aimed at achieving some kind of closure for families of victims of crimes. They (Barry and June) feel that Reeva has got a voice. They are Reeva's voice, and they owe it to their beloved daughter,? said Tania Koen, the Steenkamps' lawyer. The Steenkamps will also be allowed to make recommendations to the parole board, although Koen wouldn't say if they will oppose Pistorius' release.We have discussed it,? Koen said, but declined to give details. The opinion of victims' families is considered by a parole board when deciding whether to release an offender, but it's not the only criteria. The 34-year-old Pistorius could be taken from where he is incarcerated at the Atteridgeville Correctional Center in the capital, Pretoria, to the Steenkamps' home city of Gqerberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) for the victim-offender meeting because, according to Koen, Barry Steenkamp is unable to travel due to his health. Pistorius lawyer Knight said it might turn out that way but the corrections department would decide. Knight said he was hopeful that the meeting between Pistorius and the Steenkamps, which must happen before a parole hearing, could take place by the end of the year. It was a huge surprise for the Steenkamps when corrections services officials contacted them last month to say that Pistorius is eligible for parole, Koen said. They believed he would only be eligible in 2023, she said. (It) opens a lot of wounds, or rips off the plasters they had put on those wounds, Koen said. The confusion over when he would be eligible emanated from Pistorius' long and protracted murder trial and two subsequent appeals by prosecutors. Pistorius went on trial in 2014 and his case was only finalized in 2018. The multiple Paralympic champion was initially found guilty of culpable homicide, an offense comparable to manslaughter for shooting Steenkamp with his licensed 9 mm pistol. He claimed at his trial it was a tragic accident and he mistook her for a dangerous intruder. Prosecutors appealed the manslaughter finding and secured a murder conviction. Pistorius was sentenced to six years in jail for murder, but prosecutors again appealed what they called a shockingly light punishment for murder. The Supreme Court of Appeal then more than doubled his sentence in 2017. Knight later sought clarification over the sentence from the Supreme Court to see if the time Pistorius had already served in prison for culpable homicide should count toward his parole. It did, Knight said, meaning Pistorius could be considered for parole two years earlier than courts had initially indicated. Knight said he believed Pistorius had met the requirements to be released early. From what I have observed of him he has been a model prisoner while he has been in prison,? Knight said. My view is that he does meet the requirements to be placed on parole but the procedures must be followed. Knight said a parole board could impose a range of conditions on Pistorius if he is released, like only being allowed to leave home to go to work during the week, and only for a limited time on weekends to buy groceries and attend church.

South Africa's tainted Olympian Oscar Pistorius up for parole, must meet parents of girlfriend he killed

Jailed murderer Oscar Pistorius has been put on suicide watch following mysterious wrist injuries that landed him in hospital earlier this month, media reported today.&nbsp; 
 
Prison officials told City Press newspaper that the athlete who is serving a six- year sentence for murdering his girlfriend was under 24-hour monitoring, with increased cell visits by warders. 
 
Some inside sources told the paper that razor blades were found in the disgraced athlete&#39;s cell last Saturday afternoon, and that his wrist injuries, described as &quot;severe&quot;, were self-inflicted. 
 
Prison authorities have launched a probe into the incident. 
 
&quot;Our internal investigation is at an advanced stage,&quot; said Correctional Services spokesman Singabakho Nxumalo. 
 
The 29-year-old double-amputee, who is being held at the Kgosi Mampuru II Prison in Pretoria, had told prison officials he sustained the injuries falling off his bed. 
 
According to the newspaper, the injury occurred soon after he had an altercation with prison officials over medication prescribed by state doctors. The Paralympian had refused to take the medication, saying it was &quot;toxic&quot; and demanded to be given medication prescribed by his private doctor. 
 
He alleged that the prison official wanted to kill him and demanded to be transferred to another jail.&nbsp; 
 
Warders also raided his cell and found a pair a scissors, prescription drugs and &quot;toxic pills&quot;. 
 
Pistorius`s family has rubbished reports that the &quot;Blade Runner&quot; who made history by being the first disabled person to compete with able-bodied athletes in the 2012 London Olympics had tried to kill himself. 
 
Pistorius initially escaped a murder conviction for shooting his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door three years ago. 
 
An appeal by prosecutors saw his manslaughter conviction upgraded to murder, and in July he was sentenced to a six-year jail term.&nbsp; 
 
But prosecutors have said they would push for a longer sentence, saying six years was &quot;shockingly lenient&quot;. 
 
(AFP)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

His mysterious injuries, that landed him in hospital earlier this month, were 'self-inflicted', sources say

Jailed murderer Oscar Pistorius has been put on suicide watch following mysterious wrist injuries that landed him in hospital earlier this month, media reported today. Prison officials told City Press newspaper that the athlete who is serving a six- year sentence for murdering his girlfriend was under 24-hour monitoring, with increased cell visits by warders. Some inside sources told the paper that razor blades were found in the disgraced athlete's cell last Saturday afternoon, and that his wrist injuries, described as "severe", were self-inflicted. Prison authorities have launched a probe into the incident. "Our internal investigation is at an advanced stage," said Correctional Services spokesman Singabakho Nxumalo. The 29-year-old double-amputee, who is being held at the Kgosi Mampuru II Prison in Pretoria, had told prison officials he sustained the injuries falling off his bed. According to the newspaper, the injury occurred soon after he had an altercation with prison officials over medication prescribed by state doctors. The Paralympian had refused to take the medication, saying it was "toxic" and demanded to be given medication prescribed by his private doctor. He alleged that the prison official wanted to kill him and demanded to be transferred to another jail. Warders also raided his cell and found a pair a scissors, prescription drugs and "toxic pills". Pistorius`s family has rubbished reports that the "Blade Runner" who made history by being the first disabled person to compete with able-bodied athletes in the 2012 London Olympics had tried to kill himself. Pistorius initially escaped a murder conviction for shooting his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door three years ago. An appeal by prosecutors saw his manslaughter conviction upgraded to murder, and in July he was sentenced to a six-year jail term. But prosecutors have said they would push for a longer sentence, saying six years was "shockingly lenient". (AFP)

Murder-convict Oscar Pistorius reportedly put on suicide watch