Oscar Pistorius
Oscar Pistorius is likely to be released from prison - as soon as this weekend - if his parole hearing is successful. REUTERS/Masi Losi/Pool

Home » Oscar Pistorius’s likely parole conditions: No booze, guns or travel

Oscar Pistorius’s likely parole conditions: No booze, guns or travel

Oscar Pistorius is likely to be released from prison – as soon as this weekend – if his parole hearing is successful. But will his newfound “freedom” be a victory for the man who murdered his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp a decade ago, or will it be just another sentence? Pistorius will face a parole board […]

27-03-23 12:14
Oscar Pistorius
Oscar Pistorius is likely to be released from prison - as soon as this weekend - if his parole hearing is successful. REUTERS/Masi Losi/Pool

Oscar Pistorius is likely to be released from prison – as soon as this weekend – if his parole hearing is successful.

But will his newfound “freedom” be a victory for the man who murdered his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp a decade ago, or will it be just another sentence?

Pistorius will face a parole board on Friday, 31 March.

However, given his serious offence, his parole conditions are likely to be stringent.

ALSO READ: GBV org rejects Oscar Pistorius parole: ‘Hold him accountable’

OSCAR PISTORIUS PAROLE PROCESS

According to the Atteridgeville prison where he spent most of his sentence, Oscar Pistorius officially became eligible for parole in March 2023.

The former athlete shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day in 2013.

In December 2015, Pistorius was convicted of culpable homicide and handed a six-year prison sentence.

ALSO READ: ‘Forgave him, take it back’: Reeva’s parents reject Oscar Pistorius parole

However, his charge was changed to murder and his jail term increased to 13 years following an unsuccessful appeal in November 2017.

According to South African law, offenders become eligible for parole after serving half their sentence.

The parole hearing does not necessarily mean the offender will be granted an early release, but does mean that the offender will be considered.

Oscar Pistorius
Reeva Steenkamp’s parents and GBV activists Women For Change are opposing the parole application of Oscar Pistorius. Images via Facebook: Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation/ GIANLUIGI GUERCIAAFP

ALSO READ: ‘A wonderful story’: ‘Reformed’ Oscar Pistorius recruits gang leader

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Under SA law, all offenders granted parole must comply with conditions set by the Correctional Supervision Parole Board (CSPB).

The Correctional Services Act describes parole as the opportunity for offenders to complete the remainder of their sentence outside of prison following a rehabilitation programme preparing them to be integrated into the community.

The Act emphasises that parole is not a right but a privilege.

ALSO READ: Oscar Pistorius parole: Police fear ‘hitmen’ may avenge Reeva’s murder

Common parole conditions include;

  • Having a fixed address and reporting to a parole officer or police station
  • Having travel limited and being subjected to a curfew
  • Being subjected to random drug and alcohol tests
  • Prohibited from owning a dangerous weapon
  • Prohibited from reoffending in any way

According to University of Pretoria criminologist Professor Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Oscar could face stricter rules from the parole board, given his history and offence.

He told Netwerk24: “They could go as far as to say he is not allowed into a licensed place that sells alcohol. That’s how strict they can be”.

According to Oscar’s uncle Arnold Pistorius – at whose home he will stay upon release – the former Paralympian will be under stringent supervision for the first six months.

Oscar Pistorius
Paralympic gold medalist Oscar Pistorius reaches out to his father Henke Pistorius during the third day of Oscar’s hearing for a resentence for the 2013 murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, at Pretoria High Court, South Africa June 15, 2016. Image via REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/POOL

ALSO READ: Last Valentine’s Day behind bars: Pistorius now eligible for parole

He told the publication: “Every movement they are going to watch, what time he has to be in… there are many. But we will follow the rules very carefully”.

WHAT HAPPENS IF PISTORIUS BREACHES PAROLE?

According to the CSPB, should offenders break any rules, their parole will likely be revoked.

Offenders will then be returned to prison to continue their sentence behind bars.

Should an offender commit a crime while on parole, they will be charged, and their new offence be listed under their record.