Before he died, Reeva Steenkamp’s elderly father spoke about his meeting with his daughter’s killer, Oscar Pistorius.

The 80-year-old Port Elizabeth man met the former Paralympian during a Victim Offender Dialogue last year, as facilitated by the Department of Correctional Services.

But in one of his last interviews, Barry claimed he had not been given any answers about the night his daughter was shot and killed on Valentine’s Day in 2013.

 

 

On Thursday, 14 September, the Reeva Rebecca Foundation announced the sad passing of Barry. Meanwhile, Oscar Pistorius appealed a decision by the DCS to deny him parole back in March.In an interview with Good Morning Britain, Barry Steenkamp gave one of his final interviews. The interview took place on 14 February 2023 – exactly a decade after Reeva’s death.

Barry opened up about meeting Oscar Pistorius at a Qheberha correctional facility in June last year as part of the Victim Offender Dialogue.Barry Steenkamp, the father of Reeva Steenkamp, has died. Images via Facebook: Reeva Rebecca Foundation
The programme forms part of the rehabilitation of offenders who are being considered for parole. It seeks to offer closure for the victim’s family and a means for the offender to seek forgiveness.

He said of the “traumatic” encounter”: “When I met Oscar, I asked him certain questions. All June and I wanted to know was the truth. We felt the truth is that he killed her out of anger.”

Barry claimed that Oscar was neither remorseful nor honest about his actions.He added: “Only Oscar knows the truth….If he had told the truth in the beginning. He would’ve felt a lot better. People would’ve forgiven him quicker”.

Speaking in M-Net’s My Name Is Reeva documentary last year, Barry also detailed a touching moment when Oscar Pistorius requested to shake his hand after the meeting.

He continued: “He came in, went on his knees and took my hand, and shook it. He thanked me and [told me] how sorry he was and how he couldn’t stop thinking about that moment [Reeva’s death].

“It was a touching moment. I could’ve said no and left it, but we did shake hands. I didn’t say I forgive you, I just said thank you”.

‘LET THE LAW TAKE ITS COURSE’
Meanwhile, Barry Steenkamp told GMB that he was at peace with Oscar Pistorius being granted parole.

He said: “Let the law take its course. Everyone is entitled to parole at a certain time.

“I’m not against parole taking its course.”

Oscar was denied parole in March 2023. He has since appealed the decision in a submission to the Constitutional Court.