South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius may be released from prison on Friday, March 31, 2023, just over a decade after he killed his girlfriend in a crime that captured the world’s attention.
A parole board in Pretoria will determine if Pistorius should be released early. The Department of Correctional Services’ spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo stated that the board must decide if the purpose of imprisonment has been served.
Pistorius, who is now 36, was convicted for shooting model Reeva Steenkamp to death in his ultra-secure Pretoria house on Valentine’s Day in 2013. He pleaded not guilty, claiming that he mistook her for a burglar. Pistorius was given a 13-year sentence and has served more than half of it.
Pistorius has met Steenkamp’s parents, June and Barry, as part of his rehabilitation process. June will attend the hearing and present the victim impact statements of both parents.
The parole board will consider whether Pistorius has been rehabilitated and if he poses a danger to society. If he is granted parole, there will likely be conditions such as monitoring and participation in counselling.
Pistorius was initially sentenced to six years in jail but had his term lengthened to 13 years after the state appealed that it was too lenient. The decision may not be announced immediately, according to Nxumalo.
If parole is denied, Pistorius can approach the courts for review.