Oscar Pistorius, the former Paralympian track star who was convicted for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, has been seen in public for the first time since his release from prison.
The 37-year-old served nine years of a 13-year sentence for the fatal shooting of Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in 2013.
Throughout his trial, Pistorius insisted that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder when he fired shots through a closed bathroom door in the middle of the night. However, prosecutors contended that he was aware that Steenkamp was behind the door, following a heated argument between the two.
Images recently published by South African news outlet Netwerk24 reveal a visibly changed Pistorius, now fully gray and noticeably slimmer than during his time in prison. He was seen smiling broadly, a stark contrast to his previous public appearances.
Following his release in January, Pistorius has reportedly been residing at his uncle's mansion in Pretoria. According to sources cited by the Mirror, he has been maintaining a regular exercise regimen and adhering to an alcohol-free diet since his release.
As reported by the New York Post, Pistorius has been granted parole until 2029, subject to a stringent set of conditions. These include random check-ins with his parole officer, a prohibition on using social media, and no contact with the Steenkamp family.
The Mirror also reported that Pistorius is required to undertake an "anger management" course, a measure aimed at addressing the volatile temper prosecutors believe led to Steenkamp's murder.
A friend of Steenkamp, who requested anonymity, expressed her distress at the recent images of Pistorius to the Mirror. "It is very disturbing to see Pistorius smiling like he doesn't have a care in the world. If I could, I would wipe that smile off his face. I don't know how he sleeps at night for what he did," she said.
The New York Post previously reported that Pistorius has been struggling to find employment since his release. A member of South Africa's Paralympic Committee, speaking to the New York Post, stated, "He's too toxic to work with now," after Pistorius allegedly sought employment there. "There's nothing for him here."
Prior to his conviction, Pistorius was a celebrated Paralympic track star, known as the "Blade Runner" due to the prosthetic legs he used to compete in races against able-bodied athletes. He made history by participating in the 2012 London Olympics. Pistorius was born without fibula bones in either leg and underwent amputations below both knees before his first birthday.
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