Oscar Pistorius, the South African athlete formerly known as the ‘Blade Runner’, has been released from prison after serving nine years for the 2013 murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
The Paralympic gold medalist was convicted of culpable homicide in 2014 for shooting Steenkamp four times through a locked bathroom door at his home in Pretoria. At the time, Pistorius argued that he had mistaken Steenkamp for an intruder.
Since then, Pistorius’ conviction has been repeatedly appealed and altered, leading to a longer sentence. This week, a court in South Africa approved his release on parole, citing “substantial rehabilitation.”
Pistorius initially spent his sentence at the Kgosi Mampuru II correctional centre in Pretoria. During this period, he attended counseling and educational courses, and his family reported that he was “doing well.”
However, Pistorius’ release from prison has caused controversy in South Africa. Many believe the nine-year sentence to be too lenient, and that it considerable undermines the seriousness of the crime.
Furthermore, it has been reported that Pistorius will serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. As doubts remain that he is truly rehabilitated, this move has been considered a mild punishment for what is considered to be a heinous crime.
Only time will tell whether Pistorius is truly rehabilitated, and if he leads a productive life. Until then, his release, and accordingly the leniency of the sentence, will remain contentious in South Africa and around the world.