Pistorius was convicted of culpable homicide in 2014 for
killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day in 2013.
His conviction was upgraded to murder in 2015. A six-year
sentence imposed by the Pretoria High Court in 2016 was later set aside by the
Supreme Court of Appeal and replaced with a sentence of 13 years and five
months.
Correctional services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo told
Newzroom Afrika inmates may be eligible for parole after serving a period of
their sentence behind bars, but no decision has yet been made on Pistorius’
parole.
“I have seen media reports on possible parole placement for
Oscar Pistorius. As a department we are not yet there,” he said.
“They [inmates] have to appear before a parole board. A
determination is then made about whether they are ready to be sent back into
the community or continue to stay in prison serving the remainder of their
sentence.”
Nxumalo said the department was planning a meeting between
Pistorius and the Steenkamp family as part of the rehabilitation process.
The news has split opinions online, with many calling for
Pistorius to be given the same treatment as other inmates. Times
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