Ex-Olympic Runner Oscar Pistorius Granted Parole 10 Years After Shooting Girlfriend

Former South African track star Oscar Pistorius has been granted parole, over a decade after being convicted of the murder of his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp. The disgraced athlete was sentenced to 13 years and five months for the murder that took place back on Valentine’s Day 2013.

According to FOX News, the Department of Correctional Services in South Africa announced on Friday that Pistorius has been granted parole, effective January 5. The conditions of his parole include restrictions on leaving the Pretoria area without permission and mandatory attendance in an anger management program. On top of that, Pistorius will also be required to perform community service, and these conditions will be in place for five years.

The 37-year-old was initially convicted of culpable homicide, equivalent to manslaughter, for shooting Steenkamp. However, this conviction was later overturned, and he was found guilty of murder after an appeal by prosecutors. His sentence was then increased to 13 years and five months in prison. In South Africa, serious offenders must serve at least half of their sentence to become eligible for parole.

During his murder trial, Pistorius claimed that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder when he fired four shots through a bathroom door with his licensed 9mm pistol. Prosecutors contended that the shooting took place during a heated argument, with Steenkamp hiding in the bathroom after the fight.

Once hailed as an inspirational figure in sports, Pistorius was the first disabled athlete to compete against able-bodied men. However, his reputation has been utterly destroyed and no one wants to speak about him anymore. Regardless, what’s done is done and he continues to face the consequences of his actions.

What do you think of Oscar Pistorius being granted parole? Do you feel he deserved a harsher punishment? Let us know in the comments section below!