Inside Oscar Pistorius' old prison cell as killer released nearly 11 years on from Reeva Steenkamp murder

Inside Oscar Pistorius' old prison cell as killer released nearly 11 years on from Reeva Steenkamp murder

WATCH NOW: Reaction as Oscar Pistorius released on parole

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 05/01/2024

- 10:49

The 37-year-old was released on parole on Friday

Images have emerged showing one of Oscar Pistorius' old cells after the 37-year-old was released on parole on Friday.

The South African has spent over 3,000 days behind bars after shooting and murdering Reeva Steenkamp back in 2013.


Pistorius shot through a bathroom door four times, fatally wounding his model girlfriend.

He was initially charged with manslaughter but, in 2015, his conviction was upgraded to murder.

Oscar Pistorius

Oscar Pistorius has been released on parole after more than 3,000 days behind bars

GETTY/REUTERS

Pistorius' first year in prison was spent at the notorious Kgosi Mampuru II maximum security prison, which is the home to South Africa's most dangerous criminals.

The facility is reportedly ruled by violent gangs.

And images from Reuters show the conditions Pistorius lived in during his spell there.

One picture shows Pistorius' prosthetic legs being propped up against a wall near a toilet.

Another shows his cell covered in pictures of his loved ones, with several books placed on a shelf.

Pistorius slept with two pillows, with one containing bible references with three crucifixes on it.

Outside his cell was a handwritten label with the words: "Pistorius O."

During his time at the Kgosi Mampuru II maximum security prison, the former Paralympian was housed in the hospital wing of the prison.

It has previously been described as 'very secure, very clean and nice and neat'.

Pistorius was, however, reportedly unhappy with the conditions at the facility during his time there.

He had a bath built for him and also got a new bed.

And he opted to buy processed food amid fears that his meals could be poisoned in a revenge attack.

Pistorius was supposedly desperate to leave and feared returning when he was moved to a lower security prison.

After his time there, he was moved to Atteridgeville prison.

And Pistorius has now left the place behind, with the South African poised to live with his uncle.

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Oscar Pistorius

Oscar Pistorius had a pillow with bible references and pictures of loved ones inside his prison cell

REUTERS

While he will now be able to rebuild his life, Reeva's parents will not.

Barry Steenkamp died in September, with widow June still mourning his loss.

June has released a statement following Pistorius' release, saying: “February 2013 (was) the day life changed forever.

"The day South Africa lost its hero, Oscar Pistorius, and the day Barry and I lost our precious daughter, Reeva, at Oscar’s hands.

“Now, almost 11 years later, the pain is still raw and real, and my dear late husband Barry and I have never been able to come to terms with Reeva’s death, or the way she died.

Oscar Pistorius

Oscar Pistorius' cell was marked during his time at his first prison

REUTERS

“Through the years Barry and I were encouraged by the love and messages of support from both friends and strangers.

“I wish I could thank each one personally for carrying Barry and I through these difficult years.

"Part of Barry and my daily conversations were always flooded by the sorrow we felt for the parents and families of victims whose perpetrators were not brought to book.

“Our thoughts remained with them as they were denied any form of closure and the names of their loved ones never recognised or honoured

“It made us feel guilty to an extent, but at the same time the trauma of re-living and re-telling our story has been a huge cross for us to bear.

Oscar Pistorius Reeva Steenkamp

Oscar Pistorius shot and killed model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp back in 2013

GETTY

“Whilst we remain grateful to the media, the intensity of the coverage of Oscar’s trial, imprisonment and parole has been a double-edged sword.

“The media interest meant the loss of our privacy and made it difficult to mourn in peace.

"Sadly, reports were often accompanied by verbal and emotional abuse by some members of the public – not only towards us, but also towards our deceased daughter.

“It is my sincere wish, and it was Barry’s too, that people will take a moment to consider the impact of their hurtful comments.

“We did not choose this. We would much rather have our loving daughter alive, and laughing, with us.”

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