Oscar Pistorius, the South African Paralympic athlete, has been granted parole after serving 10 years of his 13-year sentence for the killing of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The parole board found that Pistorius had shown remorse and had taken steps to rehabilitate himself while in prison.
Pistorius was convicted in 2014 of culpable homicide, the equivalent of manslaughter in South Africa, for shooting Steenkamp through a bathroom door in his home in 2013. He was sentenced to five years in prison but was released after 10 months and placed under house arrest. He was then sent back to prison in 2016 after the Supreme Court of Appeal overturned the culpable homicide conviction and found him guilty of murder.
The parole board said that Pistorius had “demonstrated remorse” and had “made efforts to rehabilitate himself” during his time in prison. He had completed courses in anger management, victim empathy, and interpersonal skills, and had also taken part in a number of religious activities.
Pistorius’ parole conditions include that he must not possess any firearms or ammunition, must not consume alcohol or drugs, and must not contact Steenkamp’s family or associates. He will also be subject to regular visits from a probation officer.
The decision to grant Pistorius parole has been met with mixed reactions from the public. While some feel that he has served enough time for his crime, others feel that he should have been given a longer sentence.
Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, it is clear that Pistorius has served his time and is now eligible for parole. It remains to be seen what the future holds for him, but it is hoped that he will use this opportunity to continue to rehabilitate himself and move forward with his life.
