Pistorius should first take part in “Restorative Justice” to be eligible for launch, the Division of Correctional Companies (DCD) confirmed to CNN on Tuesday.
“The Division of Correctional Companies can verify its engagement with the household of the late Reeva Steenkamp on a matter involving inmate Oscar Pistorius,” Division of Correctional Companies Spokesman Singabakho Nxumalo stated in a press release.
Pistorius killed Steenkamp at his dwelling in an upscale Pretoria neighborhood within the early hours of February 14, 2013 — a killing he says was an accident after he mistook her for an intruder, however one the prosecution referred to as a deliberate act after the 2 had an argument.
Pistorius was initially convicted of manslaughter in 2014 after months of hearings and sentenced to 5 years, however the next court docket overturned the conviction and adjusted it to homicide a 12 months later.
The decide described Pistorius as a “fallen hero” who won’t ever be at peace and sentenced him to 6 years in jail.
Nonetheless, in 2017, a South African excessive court docket greater than doubled Pistorius’ sentence for Steenkamp’s killing.
The Supreme Courtroom of Enchantment elevated his sentence to 13 years and 5 months for the homicide of Steenkamp. It issued the ruling after the prosecution appealed his earlier sentence of six years as too lenient.
Earlier than an offender will be thought-about for parole placement, she or he should take part “in packages aimed toward making ready them for a crime-free life past incarceration,” together with Restorative Justice, the place offenders are capable of acknowledge and take accountability for his or her actions, Nxumalo’s assertion learn.
The method is aimed to “create a possibility for events to reconcile” or apologize for his or her actions.
“It was subsequently vital that the Steenkamp household is approached and this was executed with utmost care because the victims should be ready earlier than they take part within the Sufferer-Offender-Dialogue (VOD),” the assertion learn.
As offender Pistorius is incarcerated in Gauteng and the Steenkamp household residing in one other province, the DCS has to work out logistical preparations.
“This necessitated a deferral as we’re finalizing the modalities which is able to be certain that all related events are nicely ready, and able to take part in a conducive surroundings,” the DCS stated.
“The wound, although a lot time has handed, remains to be very uncooked,” Koen stated. “Each day is a tough day for them.”
“June [Reeva’s mother] has all the time stated that she has forgiven Oscar, nevertheless that does not imply that he mustn’t pay for what he has executed,” Koen stated.
“So forgiveness isn’t a problem for June … Barry [Reeva’s father] battles with {that a} bit, however that’s one thing he should voice on the acceptable time.”
CNN’s Nicole Chavez and Sean Coppack contributed to this report.
