(ANSA) - JOHANNESBURG, MARCH 29 - South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius could be released from prison this week, 10 years after killing his partner, 29-year-old model Reeva Steenkamp.
A probation commission will decide on Friday whether the former athlete should be released early, a possibility granted by South African justice to those who have demonstrated redemption after having served at least half their sentence.
"The council must determine whether the purpose of the confinement has been met," said Department of Corrections Singabakho Nxumalo spokesman.
Pistorius, now 36, killed his girlfriend at dawn on Valentine's Day 2013, shooting four times through the bathroom door of her ultra-secure Pretoria home.
He has always pleaded not guilty and denied killing Reeva in a rage, saying he mistook her for a thief.
Known worldwide as the 'Blade Runner' due to his carbon fiber prosthetics, he was sentenced to 13 years behind bars, which he has been serving since 2014 in a prison near Pretoria.
In his rehabilitation journey, Pistorius met with Reeva Steenkamp's parents, June and Barry, last year, in a course whereby authorities aim to ensure that inmates "recognize the damage they have caused to their victims and to society at large." .
Reeva's mother, June, will attend the hearing to "submit statements to the parole board," said Tania Koen, an attorney representing the Steenkamps.
The father will not be present for health reasons.
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