Oscar to be released this week

[caption id="attachment_96209" align="alignright" width="300"] While it's unlikely that there will be the same intense media attention for the "Blade Runner", television stations are already preparing for his release from Kgosi Mampuru Prison on Friday. File photo
Image by: Supplied[/caption]

World media will again focus its attention on Pretoria this week as disgraced Olympian Oscar Pistorius is released from prison.

The intense scrutiny he endured during his murder trial provoked claims by both the defence and prosecution that he had been subjected to a trial by the media.

With the trial televised live, media roped in legal experts and lawyers to dissect evidence, analyse testimony and, in some cases, predict the verdict.

While it's unlikely that there will be the same intense media attention for the "Blade Runner", television stations are already preparing for his release from Kgosi Mampuru Prison on Friday.

While there is speculation whether authorities will let him slip out of prison undetected, Logan Maistry, spokesman for the Department of Correctional Services, said Pistorius' release would be without fanfare and by the book.

"We release offenders every day," said Maistry. "Every offender is released according to the department's protocols. In the case of this specific offender, all the necessary protocols will be followed."

Pistorius, who was sentenced to five years for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, is expected to leave the prison under correctional supervision, after serving 10 months. His release comes two days after what would have been her 32nd birthday.

It is unclear where he will serve his house arrest, but it is likely to be at his uncle Arnold's home in Pretoria. His family refused to comment yesterday. The "Supporters of Oscar Pistorius" group has called on fans to "welcome him home and back to society". -Matthew Savides and Staff Writer, TimesLIVE