The former Paralympic and Olympic athlete killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s day in 2013. He fired through a locked bathroom door and the case went on to grip the whole world. He has now been released on parole, after serving nine years behind bars, and will be under correctional supervision until the end of his sentence in 2029.
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He is expected to stay at his uncle’s house in Waterkloof, a suburb of Pretoria. A police car has been spotted outside the property, but the exact timing of Pistorius’ release has not been disclosed. Previously known as the ‘Blade Runner’ for his fast-moving carbon fiber prosthetic legs, he saw his fans turn on him in 2013 after this shocking incident. The authorities wanted to avoid hoards of people waiting for him when he got released, and he is banned from talking to the media as part of his parole agreement.
The circumstances surrounding the death of paralegal and model Reeva Steenkamp caused major controversy at the time of the crime. With Pistorius’ release, people are revisiting the series of events that led to her murder.
Here’s what you need to know about what happened, and what Reeva Steenkamp’s heartbroken mother has said about Pistorius’ release.
How Oscar Pistorius killed Reeva Steenkamp
Pistorius has always stuck to the same story about what happened that fateful night in February 2013. He says he woke up to sounds of what he thought must be an intruder. The South African athlete grabbed his 9mm pistol from under his bed, put on his prosthetic legs, went towards the bathroom where he could hear the sounds and shot four times through the locked door.
He claims it was only when he called out to Steenkamp, who he thought was still in bed, that he realised what might have happened. He broke down the bathroom door with a cricket bat, then carried his girlfriend’s body downstairs to seek help. Despite his efforts, she died in his arms.
However, this is not the story that prosecutors believe. They say that the pair had entered into a heated argument and Steenkamp had locked herself in the bathroom. They therefore believe that the athlete knew he was shooting at her through the door. Pistorius was, in the end, sentenced for murder.
What Steenkamp’s mother has said about the parole
In South Africa, serious offenders are eligible for parole after serving at least half of their sentence. Steenkamp's mother, June Steenkamp, said in a statement that she released earlier today on Friday 5 January, that she has accepted the reality of this situation but remains indefinitely heartbroken:
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 continued, stating that she hoped for the rest of her life to be ‘spent in peace’ while she focuses on the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation. On the foundation’s website, it is stated that:
June is trying to raise awareness of the horrific statistics of violence and abuse against women and children not only in South Africa, but around the world, by using her voice to educate and speak against abuse of women and children, as Reeva had done.
Pistorius is expected to keep a low profile following his release, but June will continue to speak out against violence towards women in an effort to keep Reeva’s legacy alive.
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Sources used:
The Guardian: Oscar Pistorius released on parole after serving nine years for murder of Reeva Steenkamp
CBS News: Oscar Pistorius released on parole after serving almost 9 years for killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
NDTV World: Accident Or Rage? What Happened Night Oscar Pistorius Murdered Girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
