Reeva Steenkamp's family say 10 months in prison is 'not enough' for Oscar Pistorius

The former Olympian is due to be released in August and put under house arrest

Oscar Pistorius shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp dead at his house (EPA)

Reeva Steenkamp’s family have said that 10 months in prison for Oscar Pistorius is “not enough”.

The disgraced Olympic and Paralympic athlete is due to be released in August on account of his “good behaviour” after being convicted of shooting his girlfriend dead.

Pistorius, 28, killed Ms Steenkamp at his home in the early hours of Valentine’s Day 2013, claiming he fired multiple times through the bathroom door because he thought she was an intruder.

Reeva Steenkamp at an award ceremony (Getty)

In a written submission to his parole hearing, the model’s relatives said they do not want revenge for her death but fear that Pistorius’ release would not send out the “proper message”.

"We have forgiven Mr Pistorius even though he took the life of our precious daughter, Reeva,” the statement said.

"Our lives will never be the same as we live with the sadness of her death every day. Reeva had so much to offer this world and we were all robbed of her life when she was killed.

"As her family, we do not seek to avenge her death and we do not want Mr Pistorius to suffer; that will not bring her back to us.

"However, a person found guilty of a crime must be held accountable for their actions.”

It was unclear whether the 'strict conditions' of Pistorius' house arrest would allow him to resume running or competitive training

The statement said that statistics show that South Africa is under “continuous attack from criminals and murderers” and that punishments must deter crime.

It continued: “Incarceration of 10 months for taking a life is simply not enough.

“We fear that this will not send out the proper message and serve as the deterrent it should.“

Pistorius is due to be released from Kgosi Mampuru II prison on 21 April, when he will have served 10 months for “culpable homicide” and go under house arrest.

It is the minimum time served for the five-year sentence under South African law, although release could still be delayed for the double-amputee.

“He's behaving himself very well, he hasn't given us any problems,” the acting national commissioner of correctional services, Zach Modise, told the Associated Press.

Three months after he leaves jail, Pistorius will face the possibility of a murder conviction for a second time at the Supreme Court of Appeal and could be imprisoned for a minimum of 15 years.

A panel of judges will have the power to overturn Judge Thokozile Masipa decision and convict Pistorius of murder, or order another trial.