Outpouring of affection for Oscar

Convicted murder Oscar Pistorius File picture: Themba Hadebe

Convicted murder Oscar Pistorius File picture: Themba Hadebe

Published Aug 1, 2015

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Johannesburg - “So it’s nearly time for you to be released into the loving arms of your family. And while you are still serving out your sentence – I am sure the change of environment will provide a much-needed reprieve for you. I hope you will be able to gather your strength and resolve, ready for the next chapter of this struggle…”

These are Amanda’s words to Oscar Pistorius, which are among hundreds of messages posted to the Support for Oscar” website.

In 20 days, Pistorius will walk out of the Kgosi Mumpuru prison in Pretoria. And the former Olympian will enjoy over-whelming support, if these outpourings are anything to go by.

Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide for shooting dead his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day in 2013. He shot her four times through a locked bathroom door, claiming he thought she was an intruder, and he received a jail sentence of a maximum of five years on October 21 last year.

In June, Correctional Services officials confirmed Pistorius would be releasedinto house arrest on August 21 after having spent less than a year behind bars.

“As I am sure you are well aware by now, I wish this nightmare could be over for you. I look forward to the day when you will be free – legally free, properly free. I look forward to watching you emerge out of all this, to see where your path takes you. It will not be the same path. You will not be the same man,” Amanda continued.

Another very personal message from someone who calls herself Ulla reads: “My dear boy – my friend. I admire you and I think you know that by now – don’t you? I know you are fighting your life’s most important battle, right now and I know it costs!

“For each day that will pass you will be one day closer to come back home (sic). Home to your loving family and friends… home where you belong. I’m sure it will be feeling both wonderful and perhaps a little bit strange to be back home again. The greatest thing of all is love, don’t you think?”

Saturday Star

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