Reeva Steenkamp’s mom breaks silence upon Oscar’s release

Reeva Steenkamp’s killer, her then-boyfriend, and disgraced Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius was released on parole on Friday, 5 January after serving half of his murder sentence at the Atteridgeville Correctional Centre in Pretoria. Steemkamp’s mother, June has released a statement following the Blade Runner’s prison release.

REEVA STEENKAMP’S MOTHER, JUNE, ON OSCAR PISTORIUS’ PAROLE

Oscar Pistorius is back home after he was released on parole — he was sentenced to 13 years and five months behind bars and has served half of his sentence locked up behind bars. This comes after he killed model and law graduate, Reeva Steenkamp Valentine’s Day in 2013 by shooting her with his licensed 9 mm pistol through a closed bathroom door in his mansion.

Steenkamp’s mother, June, has since released a statement on behalf of her and Steenkamp’s late father, Barry following Pistorius’ parole release yesterday.

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“We have always known that parole is part of the South African legal system, and we have always said that the law must take its course… Oscar Pistorius’ 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 includes anger management courses and programs on gender-based violence, send out a clear message that gender-based violence is taken seriously,” June said in the statement.

“Now, almost 11 years later, the pain is still raw and real, and my dear late husband Barry and I have never been able to come to terms with Reeva’s death, or the way she died. Through the years Barry and I were encouraged by the love and messages of support from both friends and strangers. I wish I could thank each one personally for carrying Barry and I through these difficult years,” she added.

ALSO READ: ‘Woke up in… safe home’: Reeva Steenkamp’s last Instagram post

‘HAS OSCAR SERVED ENOUGH TIME?’: THE STATEMENT CONTINUES

According to Time Magazine, the Department of Corrections said that the convicted 37-year murderer, Oscar Pistorius will be constantly monitored by parole officials for the next five years until his sentence expires. In the statement, Reeva Steenkamp’s mother, June said “No amount of time served will bring Reeva back”.

“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,” June said in the statement.

“It is my sincere wish, and it was Barry’s too, that people will take a moment to consider the impact of their hurtful comments. We did not choose this. We would much rather have our loving daughter alive, and laughing, with us,” the statement read.

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