South Africa's former Olympic runner, Oscar Pistorius, was quietly released from Atteridgeville prison on parole almost 11 years after the shocking crime that captivated the world. Convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine's Day 2013, Pistorius, known as the "Blade Runner" for his carbon-fibre prosthetics, had served more than half of his 13-year sentence. The 37-year-old double-amputee will now be under the supervision of the Community Corrections system but is forbidden from speaking to the media as a parole condition.
Pistorius' release evokes mixed emotions, with Steenkamp's mother expressing acceptance of the justice system's decision while acknowledging the enduring pain. As part of parole conditions until 2029, Pistorius must undergo therapy for anger and gender-based violence, abstain from alcohol and substances, fulfill community service, and adhere to specific home hours. This development raises questions about justice, rehabilitation, and the impact of high-profile cases on societal perceptions of crime and punishment in South Africa
