Former South African Paralympian, Oscar Pistorius’ request for parole has today failed when it was discovered that he had not yet served enough time to be eligible for early release.
In 2013, the 36-year-old former Paralympian was convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentines Day.
The trial was widely followed across the world splitting opinion as to the actual events of that fateful night.
Pistorius has consistently maintained his innocence claiming that he mistook his girlfriend for an intruder.
The parole board gathered to hear testimony from Pistorius and Ms. Steenkamp’s mother, among others.
Instead of making a decision, however, officials conceded their timings had been inaccurate.
This week, they received a letter from South Africa’s highest court of appeals explaining that Pistorius had to serve an additional year and a half in prison before he could be considered for release.
The hearing at Atteridgeville prison, a low-security facility located in rolling farmland just outside of Pretoria, should have never occurred.
Officials claimed for weeks that the amputee former sprinter was entitled to seek for parole after serving half of his sentence.
The misunderstanding is caused by the fact that Pistorius’ time in prison has been broken up by appeals and house arrest.
There is dispute on the location of the middle ground.
The family of Oscar Pistorius has expressed dismay and is seeking legal explanation for the parole board’s decision.
The day has been emotional for the Steenkamp family, who are pleased that Pistorius will not be released.
Opinion on social media and across the world remain split with regards to the case.
