After serving 10 months of his five-year sentence, athlete Oscar Pistorius was due to be released from prison under correctional supervision on Friday.
Oscar Pistorius
Pistorius was convicted of culpable homicide in the death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine´s Day last year. Thursday would have been the 32nd birthday of the young actress, model and law student.
Justice Minister Michael Masutha said in a statement that the decision to free Pistorius was taken prematurely. It is not clear yet whether it will take months to review the decision, or if the athlete's release will be only slightly delayed.
A relative told Reuter's that Pistorius' family was "shocked and disappointed."
It appears that political pressure influenced the decision to review his parole status. The Progressive Women's Movement of South Africa, which includes the African National Congress Women's League, petitioned the justice minister, describing the early release of Pistorius as an insult to victims of abuse.
Earlier this week, the state filed an appeal against the verdict of last year's trial, arguing that Pistorius intended to kill Ms Steenkamp. The hearing is due to begin in November.