’Blade runner’ Oscar Pistorius released from prison

Former Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius has been released from prison in South Africa but he will have to follow a suite of rules, including an alcohol ban.

Oscar Pistorius has been released from prison, nearly 11 years after shooting dead girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The former Paralympic champion served half of his 13 years and five months sentence for murder in a prison on the outskirts of Pretoria, South Africa.

Authories have reported he is now “at home” following the exit.

Ms Steenkamp’s mother said her family was the one now “serving a life sentence”.

Pistorius, known as the “Blade Runner” for his carbon-fibre prosthetic legs, shot Ms Steenkamp multiple times through a bathroom door at his home on Valentine’s Day in 2013.

The 37-year-old later claimed he mistook her for a burglar.

Oscar Pistorius will be released from jail in South Africa on Friday. Photo: Charlie Shoemaker/Getty Images

Pistorius was sentenced by a South African court in 2016 before being granted parole in late November.

South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services said “general parole conditions” would apply to Pistorius until his sentence expired in 2029.

“He will be expected to be home at particular hours of the day. He may not consume alcohol or other prohibited substances,” the department said.

“Participation in programs identified by the parole board will also be compulsory for him.

“As [with] other parolees, Pistorius is restricted from conducting media interviews.”

The rules also include Pistorius having to notify his parole officer if he wants to move house or get a job during that time.

Oscar Pistorius killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013. Photo: Lucky Nxumalo / AFP

When Pistorius’ parole was granted in November, Ms Steenkamp’s mother did not oppose bail but wrote a letter to the board which questioned if his “huge anger issues” had been dealt with in prison.

“I simply cannot muster the energy to face him again at this stage,” she said.

Ms Steenkamp’s father Barry died in September and his wife said the stress of their daughter’s violent death had weighed heavily on them both.

A statement read: “My dear Barry left this world utterly devastated by the thought that he had failed to protect his daughter.

Pistorius shot to global fame in 2012 when he competed at the London Olympics. Photo: Glyn Kirk / AFP

“No parent should have to bury a child and most certainly not in the circumstances that prevailed in the demise of Reeva.

“I do not believe Oscar’s version that he thought the person in the toilet was a burglar. In fact, I do not know anybody who does.”

Pistorius’ earlier parole bid last year was rejected because he had not completed the minimum detention period.

Under South African law, all offenders are entitled to be considered for parole once they have served half their total sentence.

Pistorius is expected to spend the initial days of freedom at his uncle’s mansion in a wealthy area of Pretoria.

Pistorius shot to global fame in 2012 when he competed at the London Olympics and winning gold at the Paralympics while running with prosthetic legs.

Originally published as ’Blade runner’ Oscar Pistorius released from prison