Oscar Pistorius, a double-amputee former South African track star, is struggling to find post-prison employment after serving nine years of a 13-year sentence for fatally shooting his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine’s Day in 2013. Despite maintaining at trial that he believed Steenkamp was a burglar, Pistorius is reportedly being shunned by the running community and has been unable to secure a job with organizations like the Paralympic Committee where he reached out for employment. His past actions have made him “too toxic” to work with, according to a committee member.
As he faces challenges in finding work, Pistorius has turned to volunteering at a local church as a handyman and janitor, where he is also a member of the parish alongside his uncle. However, fellow church members have described him as cold, unfriendly, and withdrawn, with one congregant stating that Pistorius is now “just a shadow of what he once was.” Despite his efforts to reintegrate into the community, his past continues to haunt him, impacting his ability to build a new life following his release from prison.
During his trial, prosecutors argued that Pistorius knew it was Steenkamp on the other side of the bathroom door due to an argument they had just had before the shooting. Pistorius, on the other hand, claimed he thought she was an intruder. After being granted parole in January, Pistorius moved in with his uncle in Waterkloof, where he now resides. Before the tragic incident that led to his imprisonment, Pistorius was a celebrated Paralympic track star known as the “Blade Runner” for his achievements in races with able-bodied athletes, such as his participation in the 2012 London Olympics.
Born without fibula bones in his legs, Pistorius underwent amputations below both knees before turning one, leading to his use of prosthetic legs in athletics. Despite his physical challenges, Pistorius achieved significant success throughout his career, becoming a symbol of resilience and determination for many. However, the actions that ultimately resulted in the death of Steenkamp tarnished his reputation and have left him struggling to rebuild his life post-prison. The difficulties he faces in securing employment and acceptance within the running community highlight the ongoing impact of his past actions, underscoring the challenges he continues to grapple with as he seeks to move forward.
