Oscar Pistorius, the former South African Paralympic champion, was released from prison and is currently under parole, marking almost 11 years since the tragic murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, as confirmed by the correctional services. “He has been integrated into the community corrections system and is now residing at home,” declared the administration in an official press release. June Steenkamp, the mother of the victim, expressed in a formal written statement, “Those of us who remain are condemned to a life sentence.”
Oscar Pistorius is now out of prison. After serving more than half of his 13 years and 5 months sentence, the 37-year-old former South African Paralympic athlete is now on parole.
He was convicted of murdering his girlfriend, 29-year-old model Reeva Steenkamp, by shooting her through the bathroom door on Valentine’s night in 2013. According to his account, he believed he was dealing with an intruder.
More than 10 years after the media storm triggered by this case, the man nicknamed “Blade Runner” is expected to gradually reintegrate into South African society.
The correctional services confirmed on Friday morning that Oscar Pistorius had been brought back to his residence. The transfer was carried out discreetly, away from cameras, for security reasons according to South African authorities.
He is expected to stay in his uncle’s luxurious villa in Pretoria and will be monitored by a correctional services officer, as South Africa does not have a strong culture of electronic surveillance for parole arrangements.
Until the end of 2029, the former athletics star will have to adhere to several rules, such as abstaining from alcohol, refraining from giving interviews and being at home at certain hours.
Oscar Pistorius will also have to undergo anger management therapy and participate in a program addressing violence against women.
This requirement provides some comfort to the victim’s mother, who believes it sends “a clear message that gender-based violence is taken seriously.” However, June Steenkamp has stated that the loved ones of the young model will remain “sentenced for life” and that “no sentence will bring Reeva back.”