The mother of the late model Reeva Steenkamp, June, said her life and that of her late husband, Barry, changed forever when their daughter was killed in 2013.
Her comments follow the release on parole of Reeva’s killer, Paralympian Oscar Pistorius on Friday from the Atteridgeville Correctional Center.
In a letter she penned also on behalf of Barry, June expressed the family heartbreak and struggles after Reeva’s killing.
“14 February 2013, the day life changed forever.
The day South Africa lost its hero, Oscar Pistorius, and the day Barry and I lost our precious daughter, Reeva, at Oscar’s hands.
Now, almost 11 years later, the pain is still raw and real, and my dear late husband Barry and I have never been able to come to terms with Reeva’s death, or the way she died,” read the letter.
Pistorius shot Steenkamp several times through the toilet door on Valentine’s Day in 2013, and argued later argued in court that he mistook her for an intruder.
The 37-year-old Pistorius served nearly nine years of his 13 years sentence, was approved for parole in November last year.
At the time, June wrote an impact statement to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board, where she said Pistorius has not rehabilitated nor shown remorse.
June thanked all those who supported her family during what she described as difficult years.
“Through the years Barry and I were encouraged by the love and messages of support from both friends and strangers.
“I wish I could thank each one personally for carrying Barry and I through these difficult years.
“Part of Barry and my daily conservations were always flooded by the sorrow we felt for the parents and families of victims whose perpetrators were not brought to book,” explained June.
She highlighted that the media interests in the story, has made them lose their privacy and made it difficult for them to mourn in peace.
June said some of the reports and comments were accompanied by verbal and emotional abuse towards the family, including Reeva.
Despite Pistorius early release, June said she has confidence in the country’s justice system, adding that conditions imposed on the Paralympian, “send out a clear message that gender based violence is taken seriously.”
She said because of the ordeal, she feels like she’s serving a life sentence.
“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,” in explained June.
June said with Pistorius release, her only desire is to be allowed to live her last years in peace to focus on the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation and to continue Reeva’s legacy.
