South Africa releases former Paralympian Pistorius on parole

The file photo shows South African Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius appearing in Pretoria High Court, South Africa, on July 6, 2016. (Xinhua/Pool/Marco Longari)

South African former Paralympian Oscar Pistorius was released on parole on Friday after years behind bars for the murder of his girlfriend.

JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- South African former Paralympian Oscar Pistorius was released on parole on Friday after years behind bars for the murder of his girlfriend.

"The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is able to confirm that Oscar Pistorius is a parolee, effectively from Jan. 5, 2024. He was admitted into the system of community corrections and is now at home," DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo told media on Friday.

The file photo shows South African Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius holding his sister Aimee Pistorius (2nd R), as he leaves Pretoria High Court, South Africa, on July 6, 2016. (Xinhua/Pool/Marco Longari)

Pistorius was convicted of killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Feb. 14, 2013. The case underwent several appeals and was ultimately confirmed to a sentence of 13 years and five months in 2017.

The former athlete became eligible for parole in March 2023 after serving more than half of his sentence.

Pistorius will serve the rest of his prison term at his uncle's residence in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital, according to the DCS.  ■