Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Associated Press
this friday

South African minister seeking legal advice on Oscar Pistorius release

Pistorius was jailed last year after being convicted on a manslaughter charge. He’s due for release on Friday.

Updated at 10.55pm

SOUTH AFRICA’S JUSTICE minister has cast doubt on the expected imminent release from prison of Paralympian star Oscar Pistorius, who was convicted of killing his girlfriend.

Pistorius has spent less than a year behind bars since being convicted in a sensational trial of culpable homicide – the equivalent of manslaughter – and sentenced to five years in prison.

But the 28-year-old “Blade Runner” is due to leave jail on Friday for a form of house arrest, having served one-sixth of his sentence.

However, prosecutors this week lodged an appeal urging that the athlete be convicted of the more serious crime of murder, which carries a minimum sentence of 15 years.

Pistorius does not dispute that he shot model and law graduate Reeva Steenkamp four times through a locked toilet door in his Pretoria home in the early hours of Valentine’s Day in 2013.

But he said he mistook the 29-year-old for an intruder. Prosecutors insist that he deliberately killed her after an argument.

The double amputee won international fame after racing against able-bodied competitors in the 2012 London Olympics, and his trial was broadcast live around the world.

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha told eNCA television that he is seeking legal advice on Pistorius’s planned release, which has been widely criticised.

In response to a petition from a rights group asking him to block the release, Masutha said he needs to know if the release is lawful, and whether he has the legal power to intervene.

“I’m confident that by Friday I would be in a position to determine whether legally I have the authority to do anything,” Msutha said.

Reeva Steenkamp’s family has expressed dismay at his imminent release.

© AFP, 2015

Read: It’s jail Oscar, but not as we know it – Pistorius freedom after 10 months makes a mockery of justice

Read: Anger as Pistorius to be freed on parole after 10 months behind bars

Your Voice
Readers Comments
36
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.