Oscar Pistorius released on parole Almost eleven years after the fatal shooting of his girlfriend, former South African athlete Oscar Pistorius has been released on parole. He must adhere to strict conditions.

Former South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius has been released on parole. The correctional services department announced that he has left Atteridgeville Correctional Center in the South African capital, Pretoria. The time of his release was not disclosed in advance for “security” reasons.

Pistorius is subject to strict parole conditions: he can only leave his place of residence with permission. Additionally, he must participate in a rehabilitation program which includes community service and anti-aggression training. His parole will be in effect until 2029.

The 37-year-old Pistorius was found guilty of shooting his then-girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, through the bathroom door on Valentine’s Day 2013. He maintained until the end that he believed she was an intruder. The prosecution, on the other hand, argued that Steenkamp had fled to the toilet during an argument, and Pistorius killed her in anger. During the trial, Pistorius testified that he had fired multiple shots because he feared there was an intruder behind the door.

Once a celebrated athlete

For the crime, the sprinter, who is amputated below both knees, was initially sentenced to five years in 2014, but later received an increased sentence of 13 years and five months for manslaughter. In South Africa, prisoners become eligible for parole automatically once they have served half of their sentence. Pistorius was granted parole in November last year.

At the time of the crime, Pistorius was at the peak of his career. He had won six gold medals at the 2012 Paralympic Games using specially designed carbon prosthetics. Both of his legs had been amputated below the knees due to a genetic defect when he was a child.