The man who once dominated Paralympic sprinting and made history as the first amputee at the Olympics now keeps a low profile in Pretoria. Oscar Pistorius, nicknamed the Blade Runner, collected six gold medals, two silvers and a bronze at the Paralympics before his career was shattered by the death of Reeva Steenkamp.
Life in Pretoria
Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide over Steenkamp's killing. Initially sentenced to five years, his term was later increased to 13 years. He was released in January 2024 after spending eight and a half years in jail.
Locals in Pretoria say Pistorius has changed his appearance to avoid recognition, growing a beard and keeping his prosthetic legs covered. A cafe owner told the Daily Mail: "Oscar's a very polite customer who keeps himself to himself. His little dog gets more attention than he does. Most people don't recognise him." Another resident remarked: "He's a big oke, but he's not overweight. You sometimes see him in the local bike shop, drinking a cappuccino, talking to the staff about cycling."
New relationship and a secure home
Pistorius has a new partner, Rita Greyling, who social media users say bears an uncanny similarity to Steenkamp. The couple are believed to have made their relationship official when they attended the wedding of Pistorius's sister last year.
The pair live together in a mansion named after an African eagle that hunts lizards and snakes. The property features a swimming pool shaped like a crucifix and a private gym where Pistorius keeps up his training. Despite losing his sponsors, he remains physically active, playing padel at a local court and entering local Ironman competitions.
High-security compound
The mansion is located in an area with private security on every street corner, complete with guard dogs and a 24/7 response service. Helipads are also on-site, and the estate has been described as a security compound for the wealthy.
Strained family ties
Pistorius has become estranged from his father, Henke, following a rift that emerged after the conviction. Henke appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored and said: "Oscar will one day tell his story. He is at the moment very sad and very sorry about what happened. What happened is not what came out of the court. I am one of hundreds of people that will say that this case will stand as a very negative example of jurisdiction of justice in South Africa."
He added: "I'm already in trouble with Oscar as I've said too much. He was forced to just accept that he is guilty and he's a murderer, which is such a pathetic insult to law in South Africa. He's been hurt and broken and that's what he believes now… that he is guilty."
