Olympic Runner Oscar Pistorius Released from Prison on Parole After Murder Sentence

Former Olympic track star Oscar Pistorius was released from prison on parole in his home country of South Africa on Friday after serving almost nine years of a 13-year, five-month sentence.

According to the Associated Press, a South Africa Department of Corrections spokesperson confirmed Pistorius' release and noted that it was done covertly so as to avoid a potential media circus.

While it has not been confirmed where Pistorius will reside following his release, a police van was seen outside Pistorius' uncle's mansion in the Pretoria, South Africa, suburb of Waterkloof. It is believed Pistorius will be staying there.

In February 2013, Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, South African model Reeva Steenkamp, in his home.

Pistorius fired several gunshots through a door and killed Steenkamp, but he has long claimed that it was inadvertent, insisting that he thought he was instead shooting an intruder.

Initially convicted of culpable homicide, which is similar to manslaughter, Pistorius was sentenced to five years in prison. However, he was later found guilty of murder upon appeal, and the sentence was increased.

The now-37-year-old Pistorius, who had both of his legs amputated below the knee in his infancy, won eight Paralympic medals at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Games, including six golds.

Known to many by his nickname "Blade Runner," Pistorius also qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, becoming the first double-leg amputee to compete as a runner at the Olympics.

Per the AP, Pistorius will have to abide by strict parole guidelines until his sentence officially expires in December 2029.

That includes regular visits with parole officers, restrictions on when he can leave his home and where he can go, and required programs to educate him on anger management and violence against women.

Pistorius is also banned from speaking to the media until the end of his sentence, meaning he won't be able to comment publicly for at least another six years.