Where is Oscar Pistorius now? 10 years on from Reeva Steenkamp murder, prison release date - is he free

The former athlete Oscar Pistorius has served half of his 13-year prison sentence for killing his girlfriend in 2013
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Oscar Pistorius has been denied parole at a parole hearing, meaning the former athlete will not be released early from prison.

Pistorius is serving a 13 year and five month sentence after he was found guilty of the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013. The 29-year-old model was shot dead through a locked bathroom door by the former athelete on Valentine’s Day in 2013.

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His sentence was increased following an appeal in 2017, with Pistorius arguing that he has already served more than half his sentence and is therefore eligible for early release. A South African parole board has since met to consider whether he is eligible.

Her parents, who attended the hearing stated they would oppose his parole application, unless he “comes clean” about what happened. With their laywer Tania Koen explaining that they “don’t feel that he is rehabilitated.” So, where is Oscar Pistorius now and when could he be released from prison? Here’s everything you need to know.

Where is Oscar Pistorius now?

Pistorius is currently serving a 13 year and five month prison sentence at the Atteridgeville Correctional Centre in Pretoria for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Oscar Pistorius is serving 13 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp (Photo: Getty Images)Oscar Pistorius is serving 13 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp (Photo: Getty Images)
Oscar Pistorius is serving 13 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp (Photo: Getty Images)

The 29-year-old model was shot dead in their Pretoria home by Pistorius on Valentine’s Day in 2013. During a hearing, Pistorius admitted he had shot Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door, claiming he believed her to be an intruder. A heavily publicised trial followed, with Pistorius being found guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced to five years in prison. The light sentence caused public outrage in South Africa and following an appeal in 2017 the former athlete was found guilty of murder and his sentence was extended to 13 years and five months.

When is his prison release date?

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In September 2022, the South African former Paralympian went to court to argue that he is eligible for parole. Pistorius is serving a 13-year and five month sentence for the murder of Steenkemp in 2013, however he argues that he has already served more than half his sentence and is therefore eligible for.

There is a dispute about when his sentence began as he was initially sentenced to serve six years in 2015, which was then extended to 13 years in 2017. Under South African law, he must have served half of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole and attend a meeting with the victim’s family.

Pistorius met with a parole board hearing today (31 March), however his appeal has been denied. He will not be eligible to try again until 2024.

Is Oscar Pistorius free?

Pistorius is not free from prison, but as he has served half of his sentence under South African law he could be eligible for parole. However, his appeal for early release was denied during a parole hearing on 31 March.

What have Reeva Steenkeep’s parents said?

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Before the parole hearing, Steenkeep’s parents lawyer said they would oppose Pistorius’ parole application. Reported by PA Media, Koen explained that Steenkeep’s mother June, who is originally from Blackburn, Lancashire, would submit written and oral statements at the hearing to oppose his early release. Koen told reporters: “She doesn’t feel that he must be released”, adding that they “don’t feel that he is rehabilitated.”

Reeva Steenkamp was just 29-years-old when she was murdered (Photo: Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images)Reeva Steenkamp was just 29-years-old when she was murdered (Photo: Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Reeva Steenkamp was just 29-years-old when she was murdered (Photo: Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Statements submitted by a victim’s relative are taken into account by the parole board when deciding whether or not to grant the offender early release. Her parents run the Reeva Steenkamp Foundation in honour of their daughter, which helps support victims of domestic abuse.

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline can offer information and support for anyone affected by the content of this article. You can call their helpline on 0808 2000 247.

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