Lerato Mbhiza
Convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius has been released on parole and is back at his home, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed on Friday morning.
“He (Pistorius) was admitted into the system of Community Corrections and is now at home,” said DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo.
The Paralympian shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, through a bathroom door on Valentine’s Day in 2013. He was sentenced the following year to 13 years behind bars.
Pistorius has maintained his innocence saying he shot Steenkamp accidentally after he allegedly heard a noise in the middle of the night in the toilet and fired behind the locked door.
After numerous failed attempts to get parole, the DCS confirmed on 24 November last year that Pistorius would be released on parole.
Nxumalo said Pistorius would be admitted into the system of community corrections and will be monitored until the expiry date of his sentence in 2029.
“An elevated public profile linked to Pistorius does not make him different from other inmates nor warrant inconsistent treatment,” he said, adding that the general parole conditions will apply to Pistorius.
“For example, he will be expected to be home at particular hours of the day. He may not consume alcohol and other prohibited substances.
“Participation in other programmes that would have been identified by the CSPB (Correctional Supervision and Parole Board) will also be compulsory for him.
“Just like other parolees, Pistorius is restricted from conducting media interviews.
“Newly placed parolees may be vulnerable and do require a support system to adjust to the normal way of living,” said Nxumalo.
The Department of Correctional Services kept the details of his release largely under wraps and media gathered outside the Atteridgeville Prison on Friday hoping to catch a glimpse of him, but with no luck.
The department in a statement confirmed Pistorius is out.
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