Oscar Pistorious, Olympic Athlete Retained In Prison

The court has taken the decision to keep Olympic athlete, Oscar Pistorius behind bars – at least for the moment. Pistorius was due to be released in August following a decision by the parole board.

 Justice Minister Michael Masutha however said the decision was premature, as it had been taken before the athlete had served a sixth of his prison sentence, something that was required under the law.

Nevertheless, the parole board will have to reconvene to consider Pistorius’ request that he should be allowed to serve the rest of his prison sentence under house arrest. This is unlikely to happen before the Supreme Court hears the prosecution’s appeal against his murder acquittal on 3 November.

Last year, He was sentenced to five years in prison for the culpable homicide, or manslaughter, of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The case was then sent to a review panel, which has now ordered the parole board to reconsider its decision to release him into house arrest.