News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Paralympic star turned killer Oscar Pistorius will be released from jail on Tuesday, it has emerged today.

His release will come almost exactly 12 months since he was sentenced to five years for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

It was revealed by local television stations ENCA and state broadcaster SABC on their official Twitter accounts today.

Pistorius, 28, was jailed on October 21 last year for shooting dead Reeva at his home in South Africa on Valentine's Day 2013.

(Image: Getty)

He claimed the killing was a tragic mishap after he mistook her for an intruder.

The double amputee was found guilty of culpable homicide - a similar charge to manslaughter - by a judge.

He was due to leave prison on August 21 but Justice Minister Michael Masutha unexpectedly stepped in to halt the move, saying the parole board had acted prematurely.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

The family of Reeva Steenkamp have previously said Pistorius' ten months in prison is "simply not enough" of a punishment for his crime.

In a statement they said: "We have forgiven Mr Pistorius even though he took the life of our precious daughter Reeva.

(Image: Getty)

"Our lives will never be the same again as 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.

(Image: AFP)

"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.

"Statistics show that our society is under continuous attack from criminals and murderers.

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

(Image: Reuters)

The Pistorius legal team claim the 28-year-old is desperate to get his life back on track and wants to work with disadvantaged youngsters when released.

A source said: “He is managing in jail, he’s isolated but hanging in and praying to keep up his strength.

“He is keen to become involved in assisting children in whatever opportunity comes up. His legal team are trying to help with this and sort a job.”

Pistorius has been held in a single cell at the notorious Kgosi Mumpuru prison, in Pretoria, over fears he will face attacks from violent inmates.

After a six-month trial last year the Paralympian - known as the Blade Runner - was found not guilty of murder but guilty of culpable homicide.