Oscar Pistorius was granted parole and released earlier Friday.
"And we can only wish and hope Oscar Pistorius will come out a better human being. We tend to forget that there is a possibility where somebody can be rehabilitated". That's what Themba Masngo, the Secretary General of Not In My Name International, an organization that focuses on preventing Violence against women in South Africa, said in a statement to the Associated Press concerning the former Olympic runner, Oscar Pistorius, who was released from prison on Friday, January 5th, 2024 on parole.
Pistorius was initially meant to serve 13 years and five months for the tragic fatal shooting of Reeva Steenkamp, a law graduate from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University as well as a model. Back to Pistorius, while serving his sentence he became qualified for early release after serving half of his sentence and was approved for parole in November. During his trial, he was also accused of taking acting lessons but his team denied this accusation.
In the same report from the Associated Press, Department Of Corrections spokesperson Singabakho Nxamalo stated "I can only tell you that he was released this morning" and when referring to the release itself "Pistorius was processed according to procedure: taken from his Atteridgeville Correctional Center prison in the South African capital, Pretoria, to a parole office before being released to his family".
What's Next For The Mother?
Reporters also spoke with Steenkamp's mother, June Steenkamp, who stated "Has there been justice for Reeva? Has Oscar served enough time? 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." She then continued "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's murder sentence will end in December of 2029 the details of his parole are as follows "Restriction on when he's allowed to leave his home, a ban on consuming alcohol, and orders he must attend programs on anger management and on violence against women. He must also perform community service".
