June Steenkamp, the mother of Reeva Steenkamp, has expressed her desire to live her last years in peace as she accepts the release on parole of convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius.
The disgraced Paralympian was released from the Atteridgeville Correctional Centre on Friday and is now at his uncle Arnold’s home.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, confirmed Pistorius’ release on parole, stating that he has been admitted into the system of Community Corrections and is now at home.
[ Oscar Pistorius Released On Parole And Returns Home ]
June Steenkamp acknowledges that no amount of jail time served by Pistorius can ever bring back her daughter, Reeva. She states, “Now, almost 11 years later, the pain is still raw and real, and my late husband Barry and I have never been able to come to terms with Reeva’s death, or the way she died.
Has there been justice for Reeva? Has Oscar served enough time? There can never be justice if your loved one is never coming back, and no amount of time served will bring Reeva back. We, who remain behind, are the ones serving a life sentence,” she said in a statement.
June Steenkamp also acknowledges that she always knew Pistorius would likely be granted parole after serving most of his sentence. “We have always known that parole is part of our legal system, and we have always said that the law must take its course, which it has done.”
She further adds, “With the release of Oscar Pistorius on parole, my only 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.”
Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in the early hours of Valentine’s Day in 2013. He fired shots at her while she was standing behind his locked bathroom door.
Initially found guilty of culpable homicide, Pistorius was sentenced to five years in prison. However, the conviction was later changed, and his sentence was increased to 13 years and five months.
Pistorius’s lawyer told reporters that his family is excited about his return home. However, the focus remains on June Steenkamp’s wish for peace and her dedication to the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation.
The foundation aims to continue Reeva’s legacy and promote the causes she cared about. While Pistorius may have completed his sentence and been granted parole, the pain and loss experienced by Reeva’s family remain.
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