Pistorius early release put on hold

South Africa's justice ministry has suspended the release of athlete Oscar Pistorius from prison on Friday.

He said the decision to free the athlete after serving 10 months of his five-year sentence "was taken prematurely" and with "no legal basis".

The decision has now been sent back to the parole board for review.

Pistorius was convicted of manslaughter last year for shooting dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, whom he says he mistook for an intruder.

It is not clear whether the decision on his early release could be reinstated before Friday, should the parole board meet to review its decision.

One of Pistorius' relatives, who did not want to be named, told Reuters news agency they were "shocked and disappointed" at the news.

BBC