Dohne Damons
The Oscar Pistorius timeline is a story of how the paralympic gold medalist went from glory and admiration to shock and prison walls. This timeline of the inspiring hero who was once known to the world as “Blade Runner” retraces his remarkable athletic journey, the shocking Valentine’s Day death of Reeva Steenkamp, and the courtroom drama that captivated the world. Beyond that, it speaks to his parole and its conditions.
It looks back at “The model you thought you knew”, Reeva Steenkamp.
Oscar Pistorius’ athletic accomplishments:
- He was a double-amputee sprinter who competed on both Paralympic and Olympic stages.
- He was the first amputee to run in the Olympics, participating in the 2012 London Games.
- He won multiple Paralympic medals: six gold, one silver, one bronze.
- He was nicknamed “Blade Runner” for his use of carbon fiber prosthetic blades.
- He overcame significant challenges and inspired millions with his determination and athletic prowess.
Valentine’s Day 2013:
- In 2013, Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in his home in Pretoria.
- He claimed that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder in the bathroom.
Oscar Pistorius Court Timeline
February 14, 2013: Valentine’s Day. Reeva Steenkamp is fatally shot by Pistorius in his Pretoria home. Pistorius claims he mistook her for an intruder.
February 19, 2013: Pistorius appears in court and is formally charged with murder. He denies the charges and is granted bail.
March 3, 2014: The trial begins in the high court in Pretoria. The prosecution argues that Pistorius intentionally killed Steenkamp, while the defense claims it was an accidental shooting.
March 3-20, 2014: The trial continues with witness testimonies, including neighbours who heard gunshots and screams on the night of the shooting.
May 31, 2013: Leaked photos of the blood-stained bathroom where Steenkamp was shot spark outrage and raise ethical concerns about media coverage of the case.
July 7-8, 2014: The defense presents its case, calling expert witnesses to testify about Pistorius’ anxiety disorder and vulnerability to perceived threats.
August 7-8, 2014: Closing arguments are delivered by both sides. The prosecution emphasizes the lack of evidence supporting Pistorius’ claim of mistaken identity, while the defense maintains that he acted out of fear for his life.
September 11, 2014: Judge Thokozile Masipa acquits Pistorius of premeditated murder and second-degree murder but finds him guilty of culpable homicide.
September 12, 2014: Pistorius is sentenced to five years in prison for culpable homicide and one year for a separate firearms charge.
October 21, 2014: Pistorius begins serving his sentence at Kgosi Mampuru II prison in Pretoria.
November 5, 2014: The prosecution appeals the culpable homicide verdict and the five-year sentence, arguing that Pistorius should be convicted of murder and receive a harsher sentence.
June 8, 2015: Pistorius is released on parole after serving 10 months of his sentence. He is required to spend the remaining four years of his sentence under house arrest at his uncle’s home.
August 19, 2015: Pistorius’ parole is revoked by the Justice Minister due to concerns about his compliance with the terms of his release.
October 19, 2015: Pistorius is re-released on parole after appealing the revocation. He is still required to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
March 31, 2018: The Supreme Court of Appeal increases Pistorius’ sentence to 13 years and five months in prison, finding that the original sentence was “shockingly light.”
November 24, 2023: Pistorius is paroled by the Department of Correctional Services
January 5, 2024: Pistorius is released and will complete his sentence outside of the correctional facility in Pretoria. The parole conditions are that Pistorius is not allowed to leave Pretoria without permission from authorities. He will be assigned a monitor official and will be counseled on anger issues and violence against women.
Reeva Steenkamp Remembered
Early life and career:
- Born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1983.
- Worked as a model, appearing in magazines like FHM and gracing the cover of Elle.
- Obtained a law degree and worked as a paralegal.
- Became the first face of Avon cosmetics in South Africa.
- Starred in television commercials and reality TV shows.
Activism:
- Steenkamp was a vocal advocate against bullying and violence, particularly towards women and children.
- She partnered with organizations like the One Billion Rising campaign and the Sporting Chance Foundation to raise awareness and promote positive change.
Tragic death:
- In 2013, Steenkamp was fatally shot by her then-boyfriend, Oscar Pistorius, a Paralympic athlete.
- Pistorius was convicted of murder and sentenced to 13 years in prison.
- Steenkamp’s death sparked discussions about domestic violence and gun control in South Africa.
Legacy:
- Steenkamp is remembered for her beauty, intelligence, and compassion.
- Her foundation, the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation, continues to work towards ending violence against women and children.
Also read: Oscar to be placed on parole on Friday
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