“Pistorius’ possible release opens up old wounds”

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Pistorius
Pistorius

Reeva Steenkamp’s parents say news that Oscar Pistorius could be out prison in two months’ time, after serving less than a year of his five-year sentence, has reopened old wounds.

The Correctional Services Department has recommended that Pistorius be released on August 21.

The Parole Board insists that it’s applying legislation that allows Pistorius to be moved to correctional supervision after serving one-sixth of his sentence.

Judge Thokozile Masipa sentenced Pistorius after he was convicted of shooting dead his girlfriend, Steenkamp on 14 February 2013.

 

The Steenkamp family says while they are disappointed at the news of Pistorius’ possible release, they will not fight it

The Steenkamp family’s attorney, Tania Koen says the family is shocked.

“They were surprised and a bit shocked as well. They don’t feel that it sends out the right message and serves as a proper deterrent.

They have forgiven Oscar Pistorius. They have said that many times they don’t want him to suffer. However, the message sent to society must be the correct one. It must serve as a deterrent.

 

That said they are focussing their energy on the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation because they want something good to come out of this.”

The Steenkamp family says while they are disappointed at the news of Pistorius’ possible release, they will not fight it.

“As a family they have always said that they don’t seek to avenge Reeva’s death, they don’t want Pistorius to suffer because it won’t bring Reeva back to them. They have always had the opinion that even though they have forgiven him, if a person is found guilty of a crime, they must be held accountable for their actions,” says Koen.

 

SABC

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