Suspension of Pistorius’s release, victory for women’s rights

Barry and June Steenkamp believe that the decision not to release Oscar Pistorius into correctional supervision on what would have been their daughter’s 32nd birthday is a form of justice for her. They say their focus has never been on the Paralympian who shot Reeva, but on justice. They believe the suspension of his release is a victory for women’s rights, according to a Steenkamp family spokesman and attorney Tania Koen.

“If it was not for the work of Jacqui Mofokeng and the Progressive Women’s Movement of SA, as well as the tremendous support of the South African people who signed its petition, this would never have happened,” Koen said.

“The Steenkamps do not want to avenge Reeva’s death. . . because none of that will bring her back. This is what they want everyone to know. So people should not expect them to jump up and down for joy because of this,” Koen said.

Justice Minister Michael Masutha suspended the parole board’s decision to place Pistorius under correctional supervision, after receiving the PWMSA petition on Monday.

The organisation said the parole board’s decision was “outrageous and an affront to the aim of Women’s Month”. — Times Live.