Former South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius was released on parole today and is now at home, after spending almost nine years in prison for murdering his girlfriend.
In a two-sentence statement, South African authorities released no further details, and Pistorius was released from prison in Pretoria in the morning.
"We can confirm that Oscar Pistorius has been released on parole, effective January 5, 2024. He was admitted to the community correctional system and is now at home," the statement said.
Pistorius spent almost nine years in prison for the murder of Riva Stenkamp, a crime for which he received 13 years and five months in prison. He was granted parole in November, having been eligible under South African law for having served at least half of his sentence in prison.
On February 14, 2013, in his home in Pretoria, Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend Riva Stenkamp through a closed bathroom door, as he said he thought there was a burglar in the house. Prosecutors claimed that the 29-year-old model and reality star ran into the bathroom after an argument, and that Pistorius killed her in a fit of rage.
He was initially convicted of manslaughter and given a five-year prison sentence, but the Court of Appeals later overturned the verdict and convicted him of murder. He was initially sentenced to six years in prison, but after an appeal by the prosecution, he was sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison.
Pistorius fired four shots in Rivo Stenkamp, and as an aggravating circumstance the court cited the fact that the Paralympian did not fire a warning shot. Pistorius is expected to live in his uncle's luxury house in the suburbs of Pretoria for the time being. A police vehicle could be seen in front of that house today.
He will live under the strict conditions of parole until his sentence expires in December 2029. Some of the conditions include restrictions on when he is allowed to leave the house, a ban on alcohol and an obligation to attend therapy on anger management and violence against women. Also, he will have to perform socially useful work.
The mother of the murdered girl, June Stenkamp, said today that she accepted Pistorius' release as part of the law in South Africa.
"Was there justice for Riva? Did Oscar spend enough time in prison? There can never be justice if your loved one never comes back and no prison sentence will bring Riva back. We who remain are the ones serving life sentences" , she stated.
"With the release of Oscar Pistorius, I just want to be allowed to spend my last years in peace, while maintaining my focus on the Riva Rebecca Stenkamp Foundation, to continue Riva's legacy," added June Stenkamp.
Pistorius will have to meet regularly with parole officers at his home, and will also receive unannounced visits from authorities. He is not allowed to leave Waterclough County without permission and is prohibited from making statements to the media until his sentence is completed. He could return to prison if he violates any of the conditions.
South Africa does not use bracelets on parole offenders, so Pistorius will not wear any tracking device. But he will be constantly under the supervision of officials and will have to inform them of major changes in his life, such as moving or if he wants to get a job.
Pistorius is a six-time gold medalist at the Paralympic Games, and he made history as the first athlete to have both legs amputated, who participated in the Olympic Games. He ran at the 2012 London Games using carbon fiber prostheses.
As a baby, both legs were amputated below the knee.
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