Six-time Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius denied early release from prison

Nevertheless, Justice and Correctional Providers Minister Michael Masutha reportedly ordered a assessment of the parole board’s choice, stating that the choice of releasing Pistorius was made “prematurely”.

South Africa’s justice minister has blocked the release on early parole of Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius in a move welcomed by his victim Reeva Steenkamp’s family by denounced by many legal experts as politically-motivated.

“One sixth of a five year sentence is 10 months and at the time the decision was made Mr Pistorius had served only over six months of his sentence”, the statement said.

The family of Reeva Steenkamp has welcomed the South African government’s surprise decision to block the release of Paralympian Oscar Pistorius, who is serving a five-year prison sentence for her killing.

Steenkamp family lawyer Tania Koen also said Reeva’s parents welcomed the minister’s decision, adding that they “have always had faith in the justice system”.

“Many people don’t understand the very serious impact prison can have on your life and the challenges afterward, no matter where you live”, said Jacques Sibomana, spokesman for NICRO, an organization helping to reintegrate offenders.

The earliest the board could now meet again would be Friday.

One of his relatives, who did not want to be named, told Reuters news agency they were “shocked and disappointed” at the news. A women’s activist group had petitioned the minister to request a review of the decision.

Sharing a snap of their daughter when she was a fresh faced 14-year-old, June and Barry Steenkamp paid tribute to Reeva, who lost her life on Valentine’s Day 2013.

Mentoor also said the South African runner complained about gym equipment, which was then replaced, and that he only eats processed food from the prison store out of fear of poisoning.

Pistorius has admitted killing Steenkamp, 29, by firing four shots into the locked door of a toilet cubicle in what he said was the mistaken belief that an intruder was hiding behind it.

If they win their case, which is to be heard in November, Pistorius could face at least 15 years in jail for murder.

Mofokeng said the group was not against Pistorius being released, but felt he was receiving preferential treatment. By law he should have served 10 months of his sentence before his case could be reviewed, the department said.