Oscar Pistorius' family meet to discuss his future as he may 'become a preacher'

05 January 2024 , 14:22

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Oscar Pistorius is being released from prison today (Image: Getty Images)

Oscar Pistorius' family are reportedly set to hold an emergency summit to plan his life for him now he's out of prison.

The Olympian - nicknamed the Blade Runner - has been released today after serving eight and a half years inside for killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day 2013. The 37-year-old was granted parole in November last year and will be moving into his tycoon uncle Arnold Pistorius' luxury mansion which boasts added extensive security.

Arnold will allegedly join Pistorius' brother Carl, aunt Lois and sister Aimee, who has flown to South Africa from her job in London, to draw up a plan to keep the athlete safe and in line with the demands of Attenbridgeville Corrections Department parole officers, including daily checks. It is understood a role as some kind of preacher may also be on the cards, in terms of possible work he can do.

Today, Carl posted a message indicating support for his brother, while also suggesting he has changed since the death of Ms Steenkamp some 11 years ago. Quoting classical Greek philosopher Heraclitus, he wrote: "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river... and he is not the same man."

Pistorius and his girlfriend model Reeva Steenkamp (FRENNIE SHIVAMBU/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Arnold will serve as Pistorius' nominated custodian and has reportedly promised officials to "to assist him to comply with his parole or correctional supervision conditions". It could mean giving him a job in his real estate business called Twin Towers which has its offices in a third floor office suite less than a mile from the Pistorius mansion.

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While in prison he worked as a cleaner, drove a tractor and helped at the prison library. It is reported that the family - who are deeply religious - will support Pistorius in a potential bid to study to become a Christian preacher. Arnold has confirmed to the Daily Mail that Carl had arrived at his mansion and that Aimee was also inside.

Pistorius will undergo therapy to help him with his violent temperament, with the athlete having been involved in several gun incidents prior to gunning down Ms Steenkamp. He has to accept help against gender based violence, refrain from consuming alcohol and drugs and keep away from weapons.

A GV of Pistorius' uncle's house in Waterkloof, a suburb of Pretoria (AFP via Getty Images)

Arnold has signed an official release form in which he agrees "to inform the community corrections office if Pistorius violated any of his conditions, misbehaved in public or became 'involved in any criminal activity". He also said he understood that officials could make unscheduled visits to check in on Pistorius and take him back to jail if they find any evidence of parole violations.

Pistorius won three gold medals at the 2006 Paralympic World Cup before going on to become the first athlete to compete in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. Prior to being jailed, he had earned £1.5million in endorsement deals with Nike and Oakley.

Ryan Merrifield