Oscar Parole: Factors that will be considered before a decision is made

It seems like only yesterday when South Africans and the rest of the world woke up to news that decorated Paralympian Oscar Pistorius had killed his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp. The trial that followed captured the world’s gaze on South Africa and was dubbed ‘one of the biggest trials in South African history’.

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It has been ten years since the death of Reeva Steenkamp and now the man who has been accused and convicted of murdering her has the chance of receiving parole and that decision will be made today.

The court of public opinion has already made their decision but unfortunately the law is a beast that has its own rules. The decision will be made by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board which is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers.

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There are some factors, according to Eyewitness News, that must be considered before Oscar can be granted or rejected parole.

The effect of the granting of parole on Reeva’s loved ones

This is one consideration that is put in effect in most parole hearings and this one will not be different. Legal experts have stated that the board who are charged with the decision will assess how Reeva’s death has impacted her family’s lives. This will be judged on many levels; how her death impacted their mental well-beings, livelihood and other similar factors.

The family will also give victim impact statements which will once again bring forth heavy emotions during the proceedings.

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Has Oscar been rehabilitated

This decision will be based on the findings from various reports that have been conducted throughout the duration after Pistorius’ legal team applied for parole after his conviction in 2015. This report will be compiled by State and private experts.

The officials from Correctional Services will be given the opportunity to give their testimony since they have monitored him. Oscar himself will also give an address to the board during the parole hearing.

The journey to possible parole

The former parylympian was convicted of murder in 2015 after the shooting of Reeva which occurred in the bathroom of his Pretoria East home under the apparent assumption that she was intruder. He was eventually given a sentence of fifteen years in prison.

He has currently served half of the allocated time of his sentence which according to South African law means that he eligible for parole. Oscar ,should he be granted parole, will apparently stay with his uncle who stated that “he hopes Oscar will get the same treatment as any other prisoner”.

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