Parole decision for Pistorius hangs in the balance

By

Mathew Masinge

South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services has announced that the intended release of Oscar Pistorius on probation has been suspended.

Minister Michael Masutha said the decision for the athlete’s release, scheduled for Friday, was made prematurely and without legal basis.

However, the matter has been referred to the South African Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board.

Pistorius who was sentenced to a five-year jail term after shooting dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentines Day 2013, has so far served ten months since November 2014.

On another note the South African National Prosecution Authority has challenged the culpable homicide verdict saying the chances of that ruling have no basis.

Mathew Masinge

Mathew is based in Harare and works as a Journalist for The Herald, Zimbabwe’s largest daily newspaper.