Oscar Pistorius, now 37, shot Steenkamp several times, initially claiming he mistook her for a thief.
Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, famous for the 2013 murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, has been paroled from a South African prison after serving half of his 13-year sentence.
Pistorius, now 37, shot Steenkamp several times, initially claiming he mistook her for a thief. He was convicted of murder in 2015 after an appeal court overturned the original manslaughter verdict.
June Steenkamp, the victim’s mother, expressed her acceptance of Pistorius’ release, but emphasized that her family is the one “serving a life sentence.”
Pistorius will live under strict conditions until 2029, including a media ban and the ending of anger management and gender violence programs.
While residing with his uncle Arnold Pistorius in Pretoria, the former athlete’s parole conditions restrict his movements and activities.
June Steenkamp welcomed the parole board’s decisions, including mandatory courses, and affirmed her confidence in the South African justice system.
However, he questioned whether justice had really been served for Reeva and whether Oscar had served enough time.
Pistorius, a double amputee known as the “blade runner,” rose to fame as a Paralympic gold medalist and competed at the 2012 London Olympics.
The tragic murder of Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and law graduate, shocked the world and led to a protracted legal battle.
South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services stressed that Pistorius, despite his public profile, would be treated like any other person on parole.
June Steenkamp expressed her desire to focus on the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation and continue her daughter’s legacy.
Reeva’s promising life was cut short just three months after her relationship with Pistorius, leaving a void that time served cannot fill.
