‘My heart goes out to the Steenkamp family’ — Mzansi weighs in on possible parole for Oscar Pistorius

08 November 2021 - 09:11
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Oscar Pistorius has not yet appeared before a parole board. File photo.
Oscar Pistorius has not yet appeared before a parole board. File photo.
Image: Sunday Times

Social media has weighed in on reports that former Paralympian Oscar Pistorius may soon be eligible for parole.

Pistorius was convicted of culpable homicide in 2014 for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day in 2013.

His conviction was upgraded to murder in 2015. A six-year sentence imposed by the Pretoria High Court in 2016 was later set aside by the Supreme Court of Appeal and replaced with a sentence of 13 years and five months.

Correctional services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo told Newzroom Afrika inmates may be eligible for parole after serving a period of their sentence behind bars, but no decision has yet been made on Pistorius’ parole. 

“I have seen media reports on possible parole placement for Oscar Pistorius. As a department we are not yet there,” he said.

“They [inmates] have to appear before a parole board. A determination is then made about whether they are ready to be sent back into the community or continue to stay in prison serving the remainder of their sentence.”

Nxumalo said the department was planning a meeting between Pistorius and the Steenkamp family as part of the rehabilitation process.

The news has split opinions online, with many calling for Pistorius to be given the same treatment as other inmates.


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now