Pistorius-family feels parole board should have considered Constitutional Court order
A representative for Oscar Pistorius' family says they are disappointed that his release date is not sooner than January 5, 2024.
A spokesperson for the family of convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius, attorney Conrad Dormehl, says the family welcomes the parole board’s decision in ruling to place him on parole.
“Whilst we are grateful for the certainty which has been provided in relation to the date on which he will finally be released on parole, we are disappointed that the date is not sooner,” said Dormehl.
Dormehl’s remarks to Rekord come after the announcement on Friday, that Pistorius has been granted parole on strict conditions. He will be released on January 5.
The 37-year-old appeared on Friday morning before the Correctional Supervision and parole board at the Atteridgeville correctional facility.
Dormehl said one of the reasons for their disappointment is that the order handed down by the Constitutional Court stipulated that Pistorius was eligible for parole as early as March this year.
He said the family feels this should have been taken into account in determining the date of his parole.
Correctional services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo explained on Friday the parole placement decision was made following an assessment of Pistorius’ profile and other material submitted for consideration.
He said he is classified as a first-time offender with a positive support system.
“This parole placement is in line with Section 73 of the Correctional Services Act. Parole placement forms part of the total rehabilitation programme in correcting offending behaviour and may include the continuation of programmes aimed at reintegration whilst in the system of community corrections,” said Nxumalo.
According to his parole conditions, Pistorius has to undergo regular therapy as well as mandatory therapy and training to manage his anger and propensity for violence towards women.
He may also not leave the magisterial district of Waterkloof for any reason without first obtaining permission and must do community service.
Pistorius will remain under correctional supervision for nearly six years.
If he makes it to that date without breaking his parole conditions or reoffending, he will be free from January 1, 2030.
Attorney for the Steenkamp family, Tania Koen, told Rekord, that Reeva’s mother, June, is satisfied with the conditions imposed by the Parole Board as it sends a clear message that gender-based violence will not be tolerated.
Koen said this is especially relevant in light of 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence that kicked off on Saturday, November 25 and will last until Sunday, December 10.
“The day of the parole board sitting was a victory for victim participation in parole proceedings as it is evident that the board considered June’s victim impact statement,” said Koen.
She said it affirms the importance of victim participation to ensure that the parole board can make an informed decision.
“Equally important, it forms part of a victim and her family’s healing journey,” said Koen.
She thanked Advocate Annadé Theart-Hofmeyr and Rob Matthews, who represented Steenkamp to the board.
“They have both been invaluable in presenting June’s victim impact statement at Oscar Pistorius’ parole hearing. And what an impact it had! Parole conditions imposed include anger management courses and courses for gender-based violence,” said Koen.
Commission for Gender Equality acting chief executive officer, Dennis Matotoka, said the commission is concerned about the efficacy of rehabilitation programmes run by the Department of Correctional Services.
“The commission is particularly concerned around the various matters relating to gender-based violence and femicide committed by parolees,” said Matotoka.
He said this behaviour brings into question the effectiveness of the rehabilitation programmes at the correctional facilities.
“While this may not be the case for Pistorius, it is hoped that the conditions for his release will be adhered to without failure, particularly the anger management programme,” said Matotoka.
He said the commission will continue to keep an eye on the matter until the sentence is completed.
The Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation said in a statement it honours the 16 Days of Activism campaign against GBV for 365 days a year.
It paid tribute to Reeva Steenkamp who campaigned against GBV during her lifetime, and which resulted in the establishment of this foundation after her death.
According to the statement, it paid special tribute to June Sttenkamp’s effort to continue Reeva’s legacy, and her fight for justice for Reeva, particularly with her impactful victim impact statement to the parole board on November 24.
“Whilst Oscar Pistorius will be released on parole on January 5, 2024, the parole board has imposed stringent conditions, including participation in anger management and gender-based violence programmes. This sends a clear and very important message: Gender-based violence will not be tolerated. It also proves that victims have a voice and underlines the importance of victim participation in parole proceedings.”
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Reeva’s death. She is missed dearly by all her friends and family, especially her mother, June.
ALSO READ: Pistorius parole approved but with conditions
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