The case of Oscar Pistorius, the Olympic sprinter who spent nine years in prison for murdering his girlfriend, is a tragic and controversial one that has captivated the world. Pistorius, known as the "Blade Runner" due to his prosthetic legs, was once an inspiration to many as he defied all odds and competed alongside able-bodied athletes.
However, on that fateful night in 2013, everything changed. Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in what he claimed was a case of mistaken identity. The trial that followed was filled with intense media scrutiny and legal battles. Ultimately, Pistorius was found guilty of murder and sentenced to prison.
Pistorius, 37, quietly left the Atteridgeville Correctional Center in Pretoria and was processed at a parole office before being released to his family, Department of Corrections spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo told The Associated Press. Nxumalo, who referred to Pistorius’ release as an “operation” designed to avoid a media scramble, declined to give further details.
In 2019, South Africa ranked among the five countries with the highest rates of the murder of women, according to the United Nations.
This is why campaigners think an exception should be made for the perpetrators of these crimes to the country's normal rules around early release.
For Michael van Niekerk, the fact that Pistorius is now out of prison "feels like a kick to the gut".
He is the founder of Keep the Energy, an organisation that spreads awareness about violence against women, children and LGBTQ+ people in South Africa.
Mr Van Niekerk fervently believes that those responsible for gender-based violence and murder should not be granted parole.
Pistorius shot Steenkamp four times through a locked bathroom door in his home in Pretoria on February 14, 2013. He has maintained that he did not kill her in a fit of anger during a Valentine’s Day argument, as prosecutors argued, and said instead he had mistaken her for an intruder.
The ruling was appealed by prosecutors who claimed the sentence was too lenient. Pistorius’ sentence was increased to 13 years and five months by South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal in 2017.
Pistorius must also attend compulsory programs identified by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board and is restricted from conducting any media interviews, according to the South African Department of Correctional Services.
The murder trial of the six-time Paralympic gold medalist -- popularly known as the "Blade Runner," a name derived from the Carbon-fibre prosthetics he wore while racing -- was publicized around the world. Pistorius was initially sentenced to six years behind bars in 2016, but that later increased to 13 years and five months after prosecutors argued the prison term was too lenient.
Read more
Actor David Soul Dies aged 80 Actor Christian Oliver and his 2 daughters killed in Caribbean plane crash
Sara H
Also on site :
- Texas lawmakers advance bill to clarify medical exceptions under restrictive abortion law
- The trailer for ‘The Bear’ season 4 reminds us of the importance of family
- Four Seasons creator Alan Alda gives health update after Parkinson’s disease diagnosis