GENERAL South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius released on parole 11 years after killing girlfriend

The Blade Runner, as he was commonly known, was released from jail after serving half of his 13-year murder sentence

Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has been freed on parole from a South African jail, nearly 11 years after murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Officials confirmed Pistorius was "at home" on Friday morning, having served half of his more than 13-year sentence.

Ms Steenkamp's mother said she accepted the decision to release the former athlete - but added her family was the one "serving a life sentence".

Pistorius, now 37, shot Ms Steenkamp multiple times in 2013 through a door.

The double amputee later claimed he had mistaken her for a burglar.

Pistorius was eventually convicted of murder in 2015 after an appeal court overturned an earlier verdict of culpable homicide.

Under South African law, all offenders are entitled to be considered for parole, meaning early release under certain conditions, once they have served half their total sentence, which for Pistorius was finally set at 13 years and five months.

Until his sentence expires in 2029, he will live under strict rules - confining him to the home for certain hours of the day, as well as banning him from drinking alcohol. He is also not permitted to speak to the media.

In addition, Pistorius will be required to have therapy to help deal with issues around gender-based violence and anger.

He is believed to have gone to live at the home of his uncle Arnold Pistorius in an upmarket suburb of the capital, Pretoria.

While in prison, Pistorius drove a tractor in the grounds, worked in the library and cleaned inmates' cells, according to legal documents cited by South African journalist Karyn Maughan.

Social workers and psychologists also wrote positive reports about him, she told the BBC's Newsday programme.

June Steenkamp said in a statement that the family had "always known that parole is part of the South African legal system" and had "always said that the law must take its course".

Mrs Steenkamp said she welcomed the conditions imposed by the parole board, which "affirmed Barry and my belief in the South African justice system," referring to her late husband.

But, she asked: "Has there been justice for Reeva? Has Oscar served enough time? There can never be justice if your loved one is never coming back, and no amount of time served will bring Reeva back. We, who remain behind, are the ones serving a life sentence."

She added: "My only desire is that I will be allowed to live my last years in peace with my focus remaining on the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation, to continue Reeva's legacy."

Pistorius first went to prison in October 2014, shortly after his initial conviction. There was a period between 2015 and 2016 when he was released under house arrest before his conviction was changed and sentenced lengthened.