Reeva's mum: We're left with life term

THE release of convicted murderer, Oscar Pistorius from prison on parole has left strong emotions for Reeva Steenkamp's mother, June Steenkamp.

Not only did she question the justice system, but she wondered if time his spent in jail amounts to justice at all. 

The Department of Correctional Services confirmed that Pistorius has been released from prison on parole and is already at his uncle’s home.

This after the Correctional Services confirmed that the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board's (CSPB) decision of 24 November 2023 to release Oscar effective from Friday, 5 January will be enforced.

Pistorius has only served half of the 13-year sentence after being found guilty of murdering his girlfriend Reeva on Valentine’s Day in February 2013.

While coming to terms with Reeva's death was hard for June and her husband, Barry, what made things more painful was how their privacy was compromised by the media's intensity during Pistorius' trial coverage, imprisonment and parole release. 

While grateful for the media's work, June defined those moment as a double-edged sword which made their mourning period even more hard. 

With Pistorius being out of prison, June said she can only draw strength from living her life in peace and carrying on her daughter's legacy. 

“Oscar Pistorius's release on parole, subject to certain conditions has affirmed Barry and my belief in the South African justice system. The conditions imposed by the parole board, which include anger management courses and programme on gender-based violence, send out a clear message that gender-based violence is taken seriously.

“With the release of Oscar Pistorius on parole, my desire is that I will be allowed to live my last years in peace with my focus remaining on the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation to continue Reeva’s legacy," she said.