Former South African sprint star Oscar Pistorius (37) has been released from prison on probation. The South African law enforcement agency announced this in a short statement this morning. Pistorius is now “at home,” it was said.
The release on a five-year probation came almost eleven years after the killing of Pistorius’ then-girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. He killed Steenkamp, then 29, with four shots through the toilet door of his villa on the night of Valentine’s Day 2013. The sprint star, who was amputated below both knees, was initially sentenced to five years in prison in 2014 for the crime and later to 13 years and five months in prison for manslaughter.
There were initially no pictures of Pistorius leaving prison: the law enforcement agency had emphasized in the days before his release that Pistorius would be treated like any other prisoner released on parole. “Inmates and parolees are never put on display,” it said, referring to those who might have hoped to see Pistorius leave prison. “Media camped outside a detention center will not be prevented from doing their work, but they will not be able to obtain images or videos of Pistorius.”
The case had caused a stir far beyond South Africa, as Pistorius and Steenkamp were considered the glamor couple of South African society: the Paralympics hero, known as the “Blade Runner” because of his prostheses, and the beautiful and clever Steenkamp, a model with a law degree -Studies.
From idol to criminal
At the 2012 Paralympic Games, Pistorius won six gold medals on specially made carbon prostheses and has since been considered both a sporting idol and a person who achieved great things despite all the challenges. The trial against Pistorius lasted years and went through several instances; it also revealed the dark sides behind the beautiful appearance.
In the trial, Pistorius testified that he fired several times because he feared there was a burglar behind the door. But the evidence was against him.
Pistorius was granted parole last November. He won’t really be free because of the conditions. Alcohol is taboo for him during the five-year probation period; the now 37-year-old has to be at home at certain times and is not allowed to give media interviews. The law enforcement agency emphasized that the former sports star would be treated like any other prisoner released on parole.
What is known so far is that Pistorius will initially live in his uncle’s house, which he is not allowed to leave without permission from the authorities. Since parole was granted, he has had to go through a reintegration program in prison.
As was announced in November, the probation conditions include anger management therapy and community service in the area of gender-based violence.
