Jailed South African Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius, infamous as the “Blade Runner,” has been granted parole over ten years after the tragic murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. According to authorities, the athlete is set to be released on January 5.

Valentine’s Day Tragedy:

Pistorius shot and killed Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day in 2013, maintaining that he mistook her for an intruder. 

The “Blade Runner,” known for his carbon-fiber prosthetic legs, was initially sentenced to five years for culpable homicide in 2014 but later convicted of murder by the Supreme Court of Appeal in 2015.

The legal saga saw Pistorius initially jailed for six years in 2016, a sentence deemed “shockingly lenient” by the Supreme Court, leading to an increased term of 13 years and five months in 2017. 

The Constitutional Court confirmed his parole eligibility in October 2023.

Family Response to Parole Decision:

While Reeva Steenkamp’s family lawyer stated the family was unsurprised by the parole decision, her mother, June, expressed skepticism about Pistorius’s rehabilitation. 

She emphasized the importance of acknowledging the full truth of the crime for genuine rehabilitation.

Oscar Pistorius, who recently turned 37, will enter the community corrections system and be under supervision in compliance with parole conditions until his sentence concludes. 

Among these conditions is the continuation of anger management therapy.

Past Parole Denial and Eligibility:

Pistorius was previously denied parole in March due to incomplete detention periods. However, the Constitutional Court clarified in October that he had served half his sentence by March 21, making him eligible for parole.

As Pistorius prepares for release, the parole decision considers factors like the nature of the crime, likelihood of reoffending, conduct in prison, and the individual’s well-being. His legal team has not yet responded to requests for comment.