Former South African Olympic runner, is poised for release on parole nearly 11 years after the tragic shooting of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
The parole board, which assessed his suitability for social reintegration in November, sanctioned his early release on January 5. Notably, prison authorities have mandated a media communication ban for Pistorius post his release.
The Department of Correctional Services emphasized that Pistorius, like other parolees, is strictly prohibited from engaging in media interviews. The directive aims to ensure consistent treatment despite Pistorius’s heightened public profile.
Scheduled to leave prison on Friday, specific details regarding the release remain undisclosed for security reasons.
As part of the parole conditions extending until 2029, Pistorius is obligated to undergo therapy focusing on anger management and issues related to gender-based violence.
In the infamous Valentine’s Day 2013 incident, Pistorius fired four shots through the bathroom door of his highly secure Pretoria residence, resulting in Steenkamp’s tragic death.
Despite maintaining his innocence and claiming he mistook her for a burglar, he was ultimately found guilty of murder in 2017, receiving a 13-year jail sentence following numerous legal proceedings.
Reflecting concerns about Pistorius’s rehabilitation, June Steenkamp, Reeva’s mother, has expressed skepticism and questioned the veracity of the former athlete’s narrative regarding the tragic events.
The parole decision adds a new chapter to a case that has captured global attention and stirred ongoing debate.
