Unfairness Surrounds Oscar Pistorius’ Premature Release from Prison
Oscar Pistorius, released on parole from prison, is currently residing with his uncle in Pretoria. Particularly women, view the former athlete’s release as unjust.
Lawley Road in Waterkloof is located in an exclusive neighborhood in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa. This is where entrepreneurs, celebrities, and diplomats reside – people who are well-off. Arnold Pistorius is one such resident; he is Oscar Pistorius’ uncle.
It appears that the former world-class sprinter, convicted of murdering his girlfriend, will be staying in Lawley Road for an extended period of time. He had already been living with his uncle during the legal proceedings.
“Oscar Pistorius has been on parole since January 5th and is now at home,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Justice. When and how Pistorius was transported to Waterkloof is somewhat of a state secret. It is possible that this occurred yesterday to prevent a media spectacle. In any case, reporters from around the world waited in vain today.
No alcohol, no drugs, no interviews
Pistorius was released under strict conditions. He is not allowed to leave his place of residence without permission from authorities, must engage in community service, and complete anger management training to control his outbursts, particularly towards women. Alcohol, drugs, and interviews are strictly prohibited. His parole period will run until 2029.
The reaction to this decision has been mixed, with many people, especially women, considering it wrong. This is not surprising, as violence against women is a significant societal issue in South Africa. “Many individuals are serving life sentences, so it is truly unfair that Oscar Pistorius is being released early” – this was a statement made on the day of his release. Another opinion expressed was, “Convicted murderers should remain in prison for longer.”
Once a great role model
There is no doubt that the renowned sprinter, known as the “Bladerunner” due to his prosthetic legs, has fallen from grace – from being a celebrated role model to a convicted murderer. Former police psychologist Gerard Labuschagne spoke extensively with Oscar Pistorius soon after the incident on February 12, 2013 and closely followed the trial.
“It wasn’t just about the murder charge. It also involved a shot fired in a crowded restaurant and a shot fired from the sunroof of a car. This is a side of Oscar that we did not expect,” Labuschagne revealed. “Arrogant and showy. Yet, most of us considered him to be a lovable person, a hero.”
Character witness testified for Pistorius
Icelandic national Ebba Gudmundsdottir testified as a character witness for the defendant. She has known Pistorius since 2006, when her newborn son had both legs amputated. The successful disabled athlete from South Africa provided new hope for her family. Their correspondence evolved into a lasting friendship that continues to this day. The news of the fatal shots was a shock to her.
“Reeva will not return”
On the other hand, June Steenkamp, the mother of the murder victim, cannot believe that Pistorius shot her daughter through the bathroom door out of fear of an intruder. Nonetheless, she still considers his release under strict conditions to be the right decision. The move is seen as a “clear message that gender-based violence is taken seriously in South Africa,” according to a written statement.
However, it must also be noted that on February 14, 2013, the country lost its hero, and June Steenkamp lost her precious daughter. “June Steenkamp cannot simply move on because Reeva will not return,” said Tania Koen, the family’s lawyer. “June feels, like anyone who has lost a loved one, that she must endure a life sentence.”