Oscar Pistorius released from prison

Former Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius has been released from prison in Pretoria, South Africa 11 years after killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

Oscar Pistorius

Oscar Pistorius has been released from prison 11 years after killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The 37-year-old former Paralympic champion walked free from jail on Friday (05.01.24) after serving half of his 13-year sentence for fatally shooting the model at his home in Pretoria, South Africa on Valentine's Day 2013.

Reeva's mother June condemned Pistorius' early release in a statement, saying: "There can never be justice if your loved one is never coming back, and no amount of time served will bring Reeva back. We, who remain behind, are the ones serving a life sentence.

"With the release of Oscar Pistorius on parole, my only desire is that I will be allowed to live my last years in peace with my focus remaining on the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation, to continue Reeva's legacy.'

Pistorius was granted parole in November and he will remain under official supervision until 2029 while he must also complete community service and undergo therapy for anger and "gender-based violence" issues.

He's expected to stay his uncle's house in Pretoria following his release.

Speaking ahead of Pistorius' release, Singabakho Nxumalo, a spokesman for South Africa's Department of Correctional Services said: "An elevated public profile linked to Pistorius does not make him different from the other inmates nor warrant inconsistent treatment.

"The general parole conditions will apply to Pistorius. For example, he will be expected to be home at particular hours of the day. He may not consume alcohol or other prohibited substances."

Pistorius fired his gun at Reeva through a locked bathroom door at his home and later claimed he had mistaken his girlfriend for an intruder.

The sports star went on trial and was found not guilty of Reeva's murder and was instead convicted of culpable homicide - which is equivalent to manslaughter.

In 2014, he was handed a five-year prison sentence before being released to house arrest.

However, South Africa's supreme court later overturned his conviction and he was found guilty of murder. Pistorius was then sentenced to six years in prison and his time was later increased to 13 years and five months.

His first application for parole was turned down in March 2023, but was later granted in November.