South African former Paralympic athlete medalist Oscar Pistorius, is poised to be released from jail on parole this Friday, nearly 11 years after he was convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine’s Day.
He spent 9 years of his sentence after numerous appeals against conviction on grounds that he mistakenly shot Steenkamp as he thought she was an intruder, failed.
Having spent approximately eight and a half years in prison and seven months under house arrest before his murder sentence, Pistorius was granted parole by a board in November last year, after serving half of his term.
However, his release will be strictly monitored by an official who will oversee him until his sentence concludes in December 2029, requiring him to report job opportunities or changes of address.
As part of his parole conditions, Pistorius must continue therapy for anger management and attend sessions on gender-based violence, as outlined by a lawyer representing the Steenkamp family.
Oscar Pistorius rose to fame at the 2012 London Games when he made history as the first double amputee to participate in the Olympics, representing South Africa.
By Desmond Nleya, Daily Times Reporter
