Oscar Pistorius, the South African Olympic sprinter nicknamed “Blade Runner”, was released from prison on parole today after serving half of his 13-year sentence for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Background
Pistorius had his legs amputated below the knee when he was 11 months old due to a congenital defect. He became an inspirational figure in athletics, competing using blade prosthetics. At his peak in 2012, Pistorius reached the semi-finals in the 400m at the London Olympics.
However, in February 2013 his glamorous life came crashing down when he shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day through a locked bathroom door in his Pretoria home after an argument. He claimed he mistook her for an intruder but was found guilty of murder after a lengthy trial.
In 2015, Pistorius was sentenced to six years in prison for Steenkamp’s murder. Prosecutors appealed the sentence and it was later increased to 13 years and five months by South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Feb 2013 | Shoots and kills Reeva Steenkamp |
| Sept 2014 | Found guilty of culpable homicide |
| Oct 2014 | Sentenced to 5 years in prison |
| Dec 2015 | Conviction changed to murder, sentenced to 6 years |
| Nov 2017 | Sentence increased to 13 years |
| Jan 2024 | Released on parole |
Release From Prison
After serving half his sentence, Pistorius was released from Atteridgeville Correctional Centre near Pretoria on January 5th 2024.
Pistorius, now 37, had met the requirements for parole after becoming eligible in July 2022. The decision was approved by South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services.
According to officials, no special arrangements were made for his release from prison and he exited “just like any other inmate”. Reporters waited outside but there was no sight of Pistorius.
His lawyer said Pistorius plans to live with his uncle Arnold while on parole. The house is located in the affluent Waterkloof suburb where he shot Steenkamp 11 years ago.
Reaction
Reeva Steenkamp’s parents said they were not shown respect by authorities regarding Pistorius’ release. Her father said the parole board ignored his family’s concerns shared in a meeting.
The prosecution has acknowledged there is nothing more that can be done to keep Pistorius jailed as he has served the minimum sentence.
Women’s rights groups strongly opposed his release on parole, saying it set a dangerous precedent in South Africa for violence against women.
Barry Steenkamp, Reeva’s father, said: “He murdered our daughter and got away with a lenient sentence, and now he is out again. There is no justice for our family.”
Life On Parole
As part of his parole, Pistorius will need to meet with correctional services officials regularly and will face restrictions on his movement.
He has served half of his original 13 year sentence. The rest will now be served under “correctional supervision” meaning if he breaks any aspect of his parole, he risks going back to prison to serve the remainder.
Pistorius has lost his fame and fortune since being jailed. He will attempt to lead a quiet, private life under intense public scrutiny while on parole. There is speculation whether he will seek work again.
Barry Roux, Pistorius’ defence lawyer, said: “He’s got no money. He’s been in prison for many years. So society must now just leave him alone. He’s paid his price.”
Conclusion
The release of Oscar Pistorius from prison, still a divisive figure, has reopened old wounds. Many believe he has not served sufficient punishment while others argue he has paid his debt to society.
Pistorius himself has never admitted any responsibility for Steenkamp’s death. But he now faces a difficult freedom where he must comply strictly to parole conditions while trying to rebuild a life after the dramatic fall from his days as an inspiring international sporting icon.
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