Pretoria – Fallen Olympian Oscar Pistorius, who is serving time for the murder of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, will be freed from prison on parole on Friday.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on Wednesday said it “affirms that a decision taken by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB) on 24 November 2023 to place inmate Oscar Leonard Carl Pistorius on parole, effectively from 5 January 2024, remains valid and is to be enforced”.
Pistorius fatally shot Reeva on Valentine’s Day, (14 February 2013).
He was arrested soon after the murder and put on trial.
Initially, the double amputee was found guilty of manslaughter before the charge was upgraded to murder on appeal.
He was sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison for murder and has since been granted parole.
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The DCS said Pistorius will 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,” said the DCS.
“Consequently, the details in terms of transportation plans and time of release shall not be made public.
“Disclosing such details may result in a security threat for the inmate and other stakeholders involved.”
The DCS said it has to carefully manage that particular risk.
“The general parole conditions will apply to Pistorius,” said the DCS.
“For example, he will be expected to be home at particular hours of the day.
“He may not consume alcohol and other prohibited substances.”
The DCS said Pistorius will have to participate in other programmes identified by the CSPB, which will be compulsory for him.
“Just like other parolees, Pistorius is restricted from conducting media interviews,” said DCS.
“South Africa opted for a victim-centred criminal justice system.
“As a result, inmates and parolees are never paraded.”
