Oscar Pistorius

The next seven days promises both good and bad news for South Africans. Here are five things you should look out for …
Image via: ALON SKUY/TIMES MEDIA GROUP

Poll: Should Oscar Pistorius be granted parole?

Does Oscar Pistorius deserve an early prison release or should he spend the rest of his sentence behind bars? Have your say in our POLL.

Oscar Pistorius

The next seven days promises both good and bad news for South Africans. Here are five things you should look out for …
Image via: ALON SKUY/TIMES MEDIA GROUP

The possibility of Oscar Pistorius being granted parole and an early release from prison has had South Africans split with strong opinions.

Does the 36-year-old deserve a second chance at freedom after he shot at killed Reeva Steenkamp a decade ago?

Or should he serve the remainder of his murder sentence behind bars?

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OSCAR PISTORIUS PAROLE HEARING LATEST

On Friday, 31 March, Oscar Pistorius will appear before the Correctional Service Parole Board at the Atteridgeville Prison in Pretoria, where he has spent the majority of his murder sentence.

Oscar has become eligible for parole after serving more than half of his 13 years and five month murder sentence.

ALSO READ: Mother meets murderer: Reeva’s mom to counter Pistorius parole

The parole board will evaluate recommendations made by professionals like psychologists and correctional officers, who will determine the following; 

  • If the offender is remorseful for their actions
  • If the offender has been rehabilitated and can be reintegrated into society
  • The risk of the offender re-offending or posing a danger to the community

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The board will also accept a submission from the offender – written or oral – in which he pleads his case.

Additionally, the board will accept submissions by the victim’s family – the Steenkamps – of their decision to support or oppose the parole application.

Oscar Pistorius
Reeva Steenkamp’s mother June will face Pistorius at his parole hearing on Friday, 31 March. Images via YouTube screenshot: AFP/ Facebook: Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp

PUBLIC REMAINS DIVIDED

With reports that Oscar Pistorius could be released from prison as early as this weekend, South Africans have voiced their varying opinions.

ALSO READ: New normal? Oscar Pistorius offered an ‘8 to 5’ job

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the poll below…