'Oscar is still in jail for a good reason'

06 October 2015 - 02:05 By Graeme Hosken

The family of Reeva Steenkamp said the decision to refer Oscar Pistorius's bid for freedom back to the parole board was justified. Pistorius, imprisoned in Pretoria's Kgosi Mampuru II prison, learnt yesterday he would not be released under house arrest.Pistorius was to be released in August after serving 10 months, a sixth of his five-year sentence for culpable homicide.His release was halted when Justice Minister Michael Masutha opposed the decision, saying it had been taken before Pistorius had served the required sixth of his sentence.The state is preparing to appeal against the culpable homicide verdict next month. Prosecutors will contend that Pistorius should have been convicted of murder.Steenkamp's uncle, Mike Steenkamp, yesterday told The Times: "We are not clapping and dancing. But we are saying that the processes are justified."What has happened now has happened for a reason."He said Steenkamp's parents were taking things one day at a time. "It is difficult. It will never be over for them. No matter what, you never get over something as difficult as this."..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.