Oscar Pistorius released from prison to serve last four years of his sentence under house arrest

The Paralympian has been moved to his uncle's house in Pretoria as he serves the remaining four years of his sentence under house arrest for shooting dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
Jamie Bullen20 October 2015

Oscar Pistorius has been released from prison under house arrest a day early to serve the remainder of his sentence for shooting dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The Paralympian was expected to leave Kgosi Mampuru II prison today but his lawyer Brian Webber confirmed last night he had already been moved to his uncle's home in Pretoria, less than one year into a five year sentence.

Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide last October after he shot Miss Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door at the couple's home in February, 2013.

South African media said his early release was granted after "careful consideration of all factors", according to the department of correctional services.

Sentencing guidelines in South Africa state non-dangerous prisoners should spend only one-sixth of a custodial sentence behind bars but the move has angered women's groups and relatives of Miss Steenkamp, who opposed his release.

Tania Koen, a lawyer for the Steenkamp family, told state broadcaster SABC last week: "Nothing is changed in their lives. Reeva is not coming back."

While feminist Louise Ferreira added: "He might not have been found guilty of murder, but it was yet another instance of a South African woman killed by an intimate partner, and I don't believe the time he spent in prison reflects the severity either of his crime or the epidemic of violence against women."

The African National Congress's women's league said they hoped the Supreme Court will impose a "harsher sentence" on Pistorius when the appeal is heard on November 3.

National spokeswoman Thoko Xasa said: "A life has been lost and as women’s league we always associate ourselves with the victims. Our heart is with the Steenkamp family,and pin our hopes on the Supreme Court of Appeal in November,”

“We want harsher sentences imposed on perpetrators of violence against women and children – legislation therefore needs to be reviewed."

The appeal was lodged after prosecutors argued the verdict should have been murder instead of culpable homicide.

The state will argue Pistorius must have known that the person behind the door could be killed and that parts of the law were misinterpreted while vital evidence was ignored.

A murder conviction would result in a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Under his parole conditions, it is understood Pistorius will not wear an electronic tag but will have restrictions on his movement while he he is expected to continue to attend psychotherapy sessions.

The sportsman must also carry out community service.

An earlier attempt to have the athlete released in August was blocked by South Africa's justice minister.

Additional reporting by Reuters.

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