Oscar Pistorius 'to be freed from prison in August after serving 10 months in jail'

 
Jailed for manslaughter: Oscar Pistorius in court for his sentencing
Robin de Peyer8 June 2015

Killer Oscar Pistorius could be released from prison having served just a sixth of his five-year jail sentence.

The former Olympic sprinter should be freed and placed under house arrest from August 21, South African prison officials have recommended.

Pistorius was jailed in October after being found guilty of culpable homicide, the equivalent of manslaughter, having shot his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp dead on Valentine's Day in 2013.

Zach Modise, South Africa's Acting National Commissioner of Correctional Services recommended Pistorius be released from the prison in Pretoria 10 months into his sentence.

Shot dead: Reeva Steenkamp

A decision by the parole board is now pending, after the committee recommended the double-amputee athlete be released for good behaviour during the course of his sentence.

The conditions of Pistorius's house arrest will not be made public, officials said.

When the prospect of his early release arose during his sentencing, it sparked outcry on social media and among campaigners against gender violence.

But Ms Steenkamp's mother, June, said at the time: "It doesn’t matter. He’s going to pay something."

Pistorius killed 29-year-old Steenkamp by shooting through a locked toilet door after mistaking her for an intruder.

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