Paralympian Pistorious released on parole

Disgraced South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has been released on parole after serving a day less than a year of the five-year sentence for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.

Pistorious, who killed Steenkamp at his home on Valentine’s Day had pleaded that he mistook her for an intruder. He was released into correctional service and will serve out the rest of his sentence under house arrest at the residence of his uncle, Arnold.

Known as the Blade Runner for excelling at running on artificial legs with short ski-like feet, Pistorius’ release follows several delays, including a ministerial decision to review his parole on the eve of his release in August this year.

Pistorius will need to adhere to strict parole conditions and be monitored regularly by a probation officer for the rest of his sentence period.

The Steenkamp family said it was also “shocked” by the early release and that a fuller statement would be released later.

Reeva Steenkamp’s mother June had earlier said that the family had forgiven Pistorius for killing their daughter, but added that anyone guilty of such a crime should serve out a proper sentence. Pistorius’ woes are, however, not over yet, as an appeal hearing by the state is still pending.