Oscar Pistorius, who shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day in 2013, sent her parents a “distressing” letter as part of his bid for parole, the Daily Mirror reports.
Even though the family lawyer, Tania Koen, expressed that they cannot reveal the contents of the letter, it’s been said that it was like “ripping a Band-Aid off a wound”.
Pistorius has been eligible for parole since July, having served half his 13-year sentence, and as part of the parole process, prisoners must “acknowledge and take responsibility for their actions.” This is reportedly what led him to draft this letter to Reeva’s parents, June and Barry Steenkamp.
The Steenkamps were informed that an official from DCS would prepare them for the parole process and the victim-offender dialogue session at the end of October, which Singabakho Nxumalo, of the prison service, reportedly confirmed. This was later cancelled after they found out.
They were distressed when it emerged that the date of Oscar’s eligibility for parole had been amended and had been told he would not be released until after March 2023.
“What was also very upsetting was the disregard for their emotional wellbeing… They had to find out the parole board had already convened a date for parole and never advised them about it,” Koen said as per Daily Mail.
“Barry has said for years he wants to meet Oscar and he has questions to ask. They are not emotionally prepared, but are prepared to meet Oscar,” Koen adds.
On the other hand, Oscar’s father, Henke Pistorius said the family had known that his son would be released earlier than March 2023. “Parole is a privilege, not a right,” he said, as per YOU.
Oscar’s uncle, Arnold Pistorius assured that his family will be there for him when he is finally released from jail, and told YOU: “Of course he’ll come and live with us… Where else would he go?”
Meanwhile, Koen said that the Steenkamps lost their bar and restaurant as a result of lockdown, mentioning that “Sometimes the black dog of depression gets to them.”
“Lots of people out there are saying Barry and June should move on, that they aren’t the only people who have lost a daughter.
“But who are we to tell other people how long the grieving process should last? When it’s Reeva’s birthday, when it’s Barry’s and June’s birthday, when it’s Christmas, it affects them because she is no longer around to celebrate with them. When someone close to them has a baby, they can’t help thinking how they would’ve loved Reeva to give them a grandchild,” Koen said.
Pistorius was initially found guilty of culpable homicide for shooting Reeva with his licensed 9 mm pistol, claiming that it was a tragic accident and he mistook her for a dangerous intruder.
Also read:
Pistorius becomes eligible for parole, Steenkamp’s parents prepared to see him
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