Update:
Reeva Steenkamp’s parents plan to oppose Oscar Pistorius’ possible release as they do not believe that he has been rehabilitated, CBS News reports. The former Paralympics star and convicted murderer is up for parole after serving half of his 13-year sentence.
Arriving shortly after 10am at the Atteridgeville Prison where Pistorius is being held, the family’s lawyer, Tania Koen said that it is a very traumatic experience. ‘They don’t feel that he should be released, they feel he has shown no remorse and he’s not rehabilitated, because if he had been he would have come clean and told the true story of what happened that night. They believe he intended to kill Reeva…unless he comes clean, they don’t feel that he has rehabilitated.’
She added that the family have no expectations and that the law must take its course. ‘We don’t believe his story,’ says June Steenkamp, Reeva’s mother. ‘It’s very hard to be in the same room as him.’
Also read: Parole request rejected for convicted killer, Oscar Pistorius
The BBC reports that a South African parole board is to consider whether he can be released. If parole is granted, Pistorius (36) could be released from prison within days. The blade runner’s previous request for early release was rejected in November 2022.
According to EWN, Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide in 2014 after he shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, the previous year. He fired four times through the bathroom door at his house in Pretoria, claiming that he mistook her for an intruder.
However, his conviction was changed following an appeal in 2015 to murder, and he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
A parole board is scheduled to convene at 10am today, 31 March, 2023, at the correctional facility in Pretoria where he is being held. June, Steenkamp’s mother, is expected to appear before the board on behalf of her husband Barry, who is unable to travel due to ill health. The board will determine whether Pistorius has been rehabilitated, or still poses a danger to society, considering his conduct in prison. The hearing will be closed to the media.
EWN reports that the board will comprise at least three people, including representatives from prison services and community members.
Pistorius’ lawyer, Julian Knight, said he will not comment until a decision has been made by the board.
Also read:
Convicted killer Oscar Pistorius takes parole authorities to court
Picture: Supplied