Oscar Pistorius to be released from prison

Pistorius, a Paralympic gold medalist, was due to have been released on parole in August after serving 10 months but Justice Minister Michael Masutha blocked his release, saying the parole hearing had been held prematurely.

Reeva Steenkamp’s family attorney Tania Koen says she received confirmation earlier today. “Nothing has changed for June and Barry; nothing will bring Reeva back”, Koen said, referring to Reeva Steenkamp’s parents.

Speaking to Algoa FM News she said she has been advised about the release by the Department of Correctional Services.

“I wish I knew what will happen, but there have been so many surprises in this case that I can’t predict anything”, Brian Webber, a lawyer representing Pistorius, told AFP last week.

“The parole board considered all submissions, including the offender’s profile report, the directives of the Parole Review Board and the submission of the victim’s family”.

The athlete’s family said the public, political and media hype that developed around his trial had undermined his right to be treated like any other prisoner. The double amputee shot and killed his supermodel girlfriend in February 2013, but he claimed it was done in self defense, as he believed the person he shot at through the bathroom door in his home was an intruder.

Prosecutors still plan to appeal to South Africa’s Supreme Court on November 3 for a murder conviction and a tougher sentence.