Pistorius’ release put on hold

AUGUST 19, 2015 : ALJAZEERA
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Oscar Pistorius’ release from prison has been put on hold by
South Africa’s Department of Justice, which said his case must
be reviewed again by a parole board because he was approved
to be moved to house arrest too early.
Pistorius was due to be released on Friday after serving 10
months of a five-year sentence for manslaughter for killing
girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Justice department spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga told South
African broadcaster eNCA it was uncertain if the parole board
would be able to meet to consider Pistorius’ case again before
Friday.
Pistorius should have served one-sixth of his jail sentence – 10
months – before being considered for release, Mthunzi said.
However, he was considered and approved for release to
correctional supervision in June, only eight months into his
sentence.
“It is apparent therefore that the decision to release him on 21
August 2015 was made prematurely on 5 June 2015 when the
offender was not eligible to be considered at all,” the justice
department said in a statement.
Spokesman Mhaga said “the decision of the parole board will
have to be suspended”.
Justice minister Michael Masutha had earlier warned he was
taking legal advice on if he had the authority to “intervene” and
prevent Pistorius’ early release.

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