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Pistorius reports for first community service

November 14, 2015

South African athlete Oscar Pistorius started community service prescribed by his parole conditions, three weeks after he was released from jail. The double-amputee sprinter admitted shooting his girlfriend to death.

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Oscar Pistorius
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo

Pistorius refused to talk to the press while entering a police station in Pretoria on Saturday morning.

The word-famous Paralympian athlete is currently serving five year sentence for "culpable homicide," the South African equivalent of manslaughter, of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. After serving one year in prison, Pistorius was moved to house arrest three weeks ago.

He admitted to firing four shots through the locked toilet door after mistaking Steenkamp for an intruder.

Under the conditions of his parole , Pistorius would need to stay in his uncle's mansion in eastern suburbs of Pretoria. However, the authorities would allow him to leave the house for specific reasons, such as going to church or performing community service.

Pistorius to receive 'therapy'

Police did not specify what type of work would Pistorius need to perform. In general, parolees are prescribed menial labor, such as gardens or cleaning cells, according to South African Eyewitness News.

The Department of Correctional Services has also said Pistorius would undergo "continued psychotherapy" and face a ban on carrying firearms.

The 28-year old was acquitted of a murder charge last year. However, South African prosecutors challenged the court's decision, claiming that judges made mistakes during the trial.

The verdict is currently being reviewed by the Supreme Court of Appeal. If the council overturns the earlier decision and convict Pistorius of murder, he would have to go back to prison and serve at least 15 years behind bars.

The Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision by the end of the month.

dj/rc (AP, AFP, dpa)