South African athlete Oscar Pistorius is set to be released from prison on parole in August after serving 10 months for culpable homicide in the killing of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, a family member has said.
The 28-year-old double amputee sprinter was found guilty last year of culpable homicide — a charge akin to manslaughter — and sentenced to five years in prison for shooting Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in 2013.
"Oscar will be released on parole by the end of August," a Pistorius family member who did not want to be named said.
The news was confirmed by correctional services.
"He has been recommended for correctional supervision on August 21," Zach Modise, commissioner of the correctional services, said.
"Normally, this will mean house arrest with one hour of free time each day.
"As he progresses, we will relax these conditions."
Steenkamp's family unhappy at decision
A statement from the Steenkamp family expressed dismay at Pistorius' release.
"Incarceration of 10 months for taking a life is simply not enough," her parents June and Barry Steenkamp said in a statement released online.
"We fear that this will not send out the proper message and serve as the deterrent it should."
The statement added that the family had "forgiven" Pistorius and did "not seek to avenge" their daughter's death.
An appeal by South African prosecutors to try to increase the severity of Pistorius's conviction will be heard in November, the Supreme Court said.
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