The former world-famous athlete Oscar Pistorius is due to face his parole hearing on March 31, after serving half of his 13-year sentence for the 2013 killing of his partner, Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius, who was known as the “Blade Runner” due to his carbon fiber prosthetics, has always denied killing Steenkamp in a fit of rage, claiming that he mistook her for a thief.
Tania Koen, the lawyer for Steenkamp’s parents, has stated that Pistorius is no exception to the law, which states that prisoners are eligible for parole after serving half their sentence. In accordance with the procedure, Pistorius met with Steenkamp’s parents in early July.
The decision regarding parole is expected to be known the same day of the hearing or the day after. If the decision is negative, Pistorius has the right to appeal to the courts for a review. This sentence was increased from six years to 13 years after the state appealed the first sentence as too lenient.
