Reeva Steenkamp; Oscar Pistorius.Photo:Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty; Gianluigi Guercia/AFP via Getty
Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty; Gianluigi Guercia/AFP via Getty
The mother of Reeva Steenkamp says she is “not convinced”Oscar Pistoriushas been rehabilitated after news broke this week that her daughter’s killer is set to bereleased from prison on parolein January 2024.
“Rehabilitation requires someone to engage honestly with the full truth of his crime and the consequences thereof,” she continued. “Nobody can claim to have remorse if they are not able to engage fully with the truth. If someone does not show remorse, they cannot be considered to be rehabilitated.”
On Valentine’s Day in 2013, Pistorius fatally shot his girlfriend, Reeva, multiple times through a closed bathroom door. The double-amputee — who earned the nickname, “Blade Runner,” and made history in 2012 as the first Paralympian to compete in the Olympics — shot the law graduate and model at his Pretoria, South Africa, home, authorities said.
Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp.
During his trial, Pistoriusadmitted to shooting Reevafour times but claimed he mistook her for an intruder. He pleaded not guilty. However, prosecutors argued he intentionally killed Reeva in a fit of rage.
Pistorius, now 37, has been behind bars since 2013. According to the Department of Correctional Services in South Africa, the parole board has set his release for Jan. 5, 2024.
“I had forgiven Oscar long ago, as I knew almost instantly that I would not be able to survive if I had to cling to my anger,” June said in the statement. “I do not believe Oscar’s version that he thought the person in the toilet was a burglar. In fact, I do not know anybody who does. My dearest child screamed for her life; loud enough for the neighbours to hear her.”
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June did not attend Friday’s hearing according to the statement and said,“I simply cannot muster the energy to face him again at this stage.” She didn’t oppose Pistorius’ early release, but questioned whether he had truly dealt with his “huge anger issues” while in prison.
She added that she would potentially be “concerned for the safety of any woman” who comes into contact with him.
The mother went on to say that her husband, Barry, who was also Reeva’s father, died in September 2023 after suffering a stroke, which she described as a “further blow” to her family.
Oscar Pistorius at trial.ALON SKUY/AFP via Getty
ALON SKUY/AFP via Getty
“I have no doubt that Barry died of a broken heart,” June said. “No parent should have to bury a child and most certainly not in the circumstances that prevailed in the demise of Reeva.”
She added, “I miss my partner and confidant dearly. The fact that he is reunited with Reeva offers some respite, but does not ease the terrific sense of loss that I have to come to terms with.”
Despite the loss of her daughter and husband, June expressed gratitude for having been a mother to Reeva, whose “name and demise continue to raise awareness around gender-based violence worldwide.”
source: people.com
