Convicted killer Oscar Pistorius prepares to take the parole authorities to court for not granting him a hearing. He is seeking an early release over a dispute around the exact time his sentence started, as he believes that he is due for parole.
Also Read: Parents of Reeva Steenkamp wants Oscar Pistorius to serve his entire 13-year sentence
A series of challenges and rulings by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) led to confusion around when exactly his sentence became effective.
Pistorius believes that he has already served enough of his 13-year prison sentence to be eligible for parole and wants authorities to consider his early release. A request supported by his prison social worker, Clara Erenst, who believes that granting Pistorius early parole would allow him the opportunity to deal with the pain he created for the family and friends of Reeva Steenkamp, the woman and his then-girlfriend that he shot and murdered in the early hours of 14 February 2013 through a locked bathroom door, alleging that he mistook her for a burglar.
In a report filed as part of the parole authorities’ opposition to Pistorius’ court action, Erenst stated, ” The thought of not having a chance to come face to face with Ms Reeva’s family to apologise for taking their daughter’s life is reported to be killing him [Pistorius] inside. He mentioned that he is still praying and hoping that one day God will provide them the opportunity to heal and find closure towards the death of their daughter. And that one day, time will come for him to come face to face with them.”
While Pistorius has received support for his potential release on parole from his prison social worker, unit manager and psychologist, the vice chairperson of the case management committee at Atteridgeville prison, Tebogo Moloto and the parole officials at the prison remain adamant that Pistorius does not qualify for parole as yet and believes the court of appeal has given contradictory rulings.
The Department of Correctional Services is requesting a court judgement in an attempt to ascertain the exact date when Pistorius’ sentence began.
Also read:
Dixie co-owner killed in Phillipi en-route to deliver TV sold online
Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery