Oscar Pistorius Could be Granted Parole After Nearly 10 Years in Prison for Murder
Oscar Pistorius, the former Olympic runner and double-amputee, may potentially be granted parole on Friday after serving nearly 10 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend. Pistorius’ case garnered global attention due to the shocking circumstances surrounding the crime. The once highly admired athlete shot his girlfriend multiple times through a toilet door at his home, forever altering the trajectory of both their lives.
Pistorius, who recently turned 37, was initially sent to prison in late 2014. This marks his second opportunity for parole within the span of eight months, as an error by an appeals court resulted in him being wrongly deemed ineligible for early release during the first hearing in March. This mistake revolved around the official start date of Pistorius’ jail sentence and the fulfillment of the required time served.
Originally convicted of culpable homicide, a charge akin to manslaughter, Pistorius’ conviction was later overturned on appeal, leading to a higher conviction of murder. Furthermore, prosecutors appealed against the initial sentence of six years for murder, resulting in an increased sentence of 13 years and five months.
In order to be eligible for parole in South Africa, serious offenders must serve at least half of their sentence. Pistorius has fulfilled this requirement.
During his murder trial, Pistorius testified that he mistakenly believed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, was an intruder hiding in his bathroom when he fired four shots through the door with his licensed firearm. Prosecutors argued that Steenkamp sought refuge in the toilet cubicle during an argument, and Pistorius, in a fit of rage, killed her.
Ultimately, Pistorius was convicted of murder based on the legal principle of dolus eventualis, indicating that he acted with extreme recklessness and should have foreseen that his actions would likely result in death. This charge is comparable to third-degree murder.
The crime occurred at the peak of Pistorius’ fame, shortly after he became the first double-amputee to compete in the Olympics. He was celebrated as a champion in Paralympic sprinting and had become one of the most marketable figures in sports, overcoming the amputation of both his legs as a baby to achieve greatness.
During his sensational trial, which was broadcasted by television channels worldwide, prosecutors presented evidence of another side to Pistorius’ life, involving guns, nightclubs, and aggressive altercations. He was also found guilty of a separate charge related to recklessly discharging a firearm in a restaurant.
June Steenkamp, Reeva Steenkamp’s mother, has stated that she will not oppose Pistorius’ parole. In a statement conveyed through her lawyer, June Steenkamp’s decision indicates a softening of the family’s stance. However, during an interview with a British newspaper earlier this year, June and Barry Steenkamp, Reeva’s parents, expressed their unforgiveness toward Pistorius, believing that he intentionally shot their daughter in anger and insisting that he deserves to remain in prison for life.
Although June Steenkamp attended the first parole hearing in March to contest Pistorius’ release, she will not be present this time. A lawyer will read out June Steenkamp’s statement during the hearing.
It is important to note that parole boards consider various factors when making decisions, such as the behavior of the offender while in prison, their mental health, and any potential risk to the community upon release. Additionally, different types of parole may be granted, including full parole or day parole, which allows the individual to live and work within the community while returning to prison at night.
If granted parole, Pistorius may not be released immediately, as the parole board determines the appropriate placement date. Pistorius was initially incarcerated in Pretoria’s central prison, but was later transferred to Atteridgeville Correctional Centre in 2016.
Throughout the past decade, glimpses into Pistorius’ life behind bars have been sporadic. Reports indicate that he has conducted Bible classes for fellow inmates, although there have also been instances of trouble, including an altercation with another inmate over a prison telephone, resulting in medical treatment.
Please note that all future updates regarding Pistorius’ parole decision will be reported as soon as they become available.
