Pistorius upsets victim’s family in bid for parole
Murderer’s distressing letter to Reeva’s parents
MURDERER Oscar Pistorius sent his victim Reeva Steenkamp’s parents a “distressing” letter in a move their lawyer said was “like ripping a Band-Aid off a wound”.
Pistorius has been eligible for parole since July, having served half his 13-year sentence for shooting his girlfriend dead at his home in Pretoria, South Africa, on Valentine’s Day, 2013. As part of the parole process in South Africa, prisoners must “acknowledge and take responsibility for their actions”, which led him to write his letter to June and Barry Steenkamp. Their lawyer, Tania Koen, said: “I cannot divulge the contents of that letter. “It was quite emotionally distressing for them. They did not know it was coming and it was sent to me by his attorney.” Ms Koen also told of the Steenkamps’ distress when they learned Pistorius, 34, had been eligible for parole since July and a hearing had been set for the end of October, which was later cancelled after they found out. They had been told he would not be released until after March 2023. Mr and Mrs Steenkamp have also been asked by the prison service to meet their daughter’s killer before his release and are willing to see him. The lawyer said the “victimoffender dialogue” was not compulsory for the victim’s family but Reeva’s parents were willing to meet Pistorius. Ms Koen added: “Yes, they want to do that face to face. “Barry has said for years he wants to meet Oscar and he has questions to ask. They are not emotionally prepared, but are prepared to meet Oscar. “They accept the day will come when Oscar will be eligible for parole and they would give their input.” But she said the couple had been upset by the way Pistorius’s parole was handled. She said: “What was also very upsetting was the disregard for their emotional wellbeing. “They had to find out the parole board had already convened a date for parole and never advised them about it. “The proper procedure was not followed.” Singabakho Nxumalo, of the prison service, confirmed the Steenkamps were asked to meet Pistorius in a possible “victimoffender dialogue”. Pistorius, a double amputee who in 2012 became the first athlete to compete in the Olympics on “blades”, claimed he thought he was shooting an intruder when he killed Reeva, 29.