Oscar Pistorius, the Olympic and Paralympic gold medalist, was granted parole on December 21, 2023, after serving more than six years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Pistorius was initially convicted of culpable homicide, which is similar to manslaughter, for shooting Steenkamp four times through a locked bathroom door on Valentine’s Day 2013. He claimed that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder. However, his conviction was overturned on appeal, and he was found guilty of murder in 2016. He was sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison, but he has been eligible for parole since 2022.
Pistorius’ parole was granted on condition that he continues with psychotherapy and does not use firearms or alcohol. He will also be required to serve community service.
The decision to grant Pistorius parole has been met with mixed reactions. Some people believe that he has served enough time in prison, while others believe that he should have been given a longer sentence.
Pistorius’ case has been one of the most high-profile in South Africa in recent years. It has raised questions about domestic violence, gun control, and the justice system.