Disgraced Paralympian Oscar Pistorius denied parole in South Africa and to remain in prison for murder of Reeva Steenkamp
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Disgraced Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has been denied parole in South Africa and will remain in prison for the killing of his then-partner Reeva Steenkamp, according to reports.
The 36-year-old South African former sprinter was convicted of murder, initially charged with culpable homicide, after he shot and killed Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day in 2013.
Pistorius has since served half of his 13-year prison sentence and was eligible for parole, but the Olympian’s request to be released has been denied by the board.
According to reports, the man once known as ‘Blade Runner’ won’t be considered for release until August 2024.
Pistorius did not meet the Supreme Court of Appeals’ minimum Detention Period requirement and will now have to apply for parole in the future.
The board reached its decision on Pistorius’ parole verdict after taking into consideration his involvement in training courses during his incarceration, as well as his mental and physical state and his conduct and disciplinary record in prison.
Prison spokesperson Singabakoho Nxumalo said: “In simple English, half the sentence is left to be served.”
Pistorius initially received a culpable homicide conviction in 2014 for Steenkamp’s death and was sentenced to five years in prison.
However, South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal later overturned the conviction to murder and sentenced Pistorius to six years in prison.
Following a state appeal, Pistorius’ sentence then increased to 15 years after the Supreme Court of Appeal’s verdict.
The former sprinter shot and killed the then-29-year-old Steenkamp with a 9mm pistol through a locked door at his home in Pretoria after claiming an intruder was hiding in the bathroom.
Steenkamp’s mother, June, appeared before the parole board at Pistorius’ hearing and said the Paralympian was “not remorseful or rehabilitated.”
Pistorius, who has denied killing Steenkamp in cold blood, has been incarcerated at the Atteridgeville Correctional Facility in South Africa since his conviction.
Speaking ahead of the hearing, Steenkamp’s lawyer Tania Koen told reporters: “Unless he comes clean, they don’t feel that he is rehabilitated.”
She added: “He’s the killer of their daughter. For them, it’s a life sentence.”
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
