Oscar Pistorius’ father Henke has declined to comment on his son’s participation in the Ironman 70.3 triathlon challenge in Durban last weekend. Pistorius, who is out on parole for the Valentines Day murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013, participated in the event that took place at Ushaka beach on Sunday, raising the ire of the United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (Udemwo). Udemwo condemned convicted murderer Pistorius’ participation in the Ironman sporting event, labelling it a blatant insult to the memory of his deceased girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Henk’s only response when contacted was that his son was capable of speaking for himself. Sunday was Pistorius’ first public appearance in sport since being granted parole in January 2024, following the murder of Steenkamp 12 years ago. Pistorius, widely recognised as the ‘Blade Runner’, completed the race, which consisted of swimming, cycling and running, with a time of 5:56:39. His return to the public sporting domain has triggered vehement reactions. Thandi Nontenja, member of parliament and Udemwo secretary general, says the organisation was appalled to learn that Pistorius participated in the triathlon. According to media reports, his attorney Conrad Dormehl confirmed the athlete’s involvement as “part of his rehabilitation”, and Pistorius’ parole officer allegedly approved his travel from Pretoria to Durban, she says. Nontenja states that this was unacceptable, and the fact that Pistorius was granted parole in the first place was a travesty of justice. “His public return to sport as though nothing happened is a deep insult to the memory of Reeva Steenkamp and a painful reminder to her loved ones that her life was violently cut short. She will never again celebrate a birthday or milestone, while the man who ended her life enjoys the privilege of sport and public presence. “This situation leaves a bitter taste for women in South Africa,” says Nontenja. “In a country overwhelmed by gender-based violence and femicide, how can a convicted murderer be allowed to resume normal life so easily? How is it possible that a man who committed such a horrific crime against a woman is now participating in events alongside law-abiding citizens?” she asks. According to Nontenja, this was a glaring indictment of South Africa’s justice system. She says the fact that Pistorius was free and engaging in leisure activities was a “slap in the face” to the Steenkamp family and to every survivor of gender-based violence. “It shows just how poorly the country is doing in enforcing laws that are meant to protect women. Our parole system is failing the very people it is supposed to safeguard,” she says. Udemwo demands that Pistorius not be allowed to live as though he were a free man while on parole. “Public sporting events are for citizens who have not committed unspeakable crimes. We also demand a thorough investigation into the conduct of his parole officer,” says Nontenja. She adds that the organisation was equally concerned about the failure of the National Prosecuting Authority under the leadership of advocate Shamila Batohi to prioritise and effectively prosecute gender-based violence cases. She says Udemwo remained committed to fighting for justice for all victims of gender-based violence. “We will not be silent in the face of a justice system that continues to fail women in South Africa,” states Nontenja. Speaking after Pistorius was granted parole, Reeva’s mother, June Steenkamp, said there could never be justice if your loved one was never coming back. “No amount of time served will bring Reeva back . . .We, who remain behind, are the ones serving a life sentence.” Asked what her reaction is to Pistorius returning to sport, June’s lawyer, Tania Koen, says June’s focus was on the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation and continuing Reeva’s legacy. “What Oscar does is of no significance to her.” – IOL The post Oscar Pistorius’ return to sport, a disrespect to Reeva Steenkamp’s legacy appeared first on The Namibian.

Pistorius' father claims that Oscar was failed by the South African justice system.

Murder, Mystery & Makeup · Episode

In this article, first published on The Justice Gap, Felicity Gerry looks back at the lessons learned from the Oscar Pistorius trial

Find out more about Oscar Pistorius, a convict killer, who’s making headlines after rumors surfaced that he is a new relationship with girlfriend Rita Greyling Not sure of what we’re talking about? Worry not, we’ve got you covered! Earlier, reports emerged suggesting that the former Paralympian and convicted killer, Oscar Pistorius, has reportedly found a new love interest just months after being released on parole following 9 years in prison.