In a few weeks' time, Oscar Pistorius could be freed from prison as he has completed half of his jail term for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, 29-year-old model Steenkamp, in 2013, and then contended that he believed he was shooting an intruder in his Pretoria residence.

Initially, Pistorius was convicted of culpable homicide at the age of 36. However, after a 2015 appeal to the South African Supreme Court of Appeal, this verdict was overturned, and he was instead found guilty of murder.

Currently, he is anticipated to participate in a parole hearing that will determine whether he can be freed from jail, as he has completed half of his 13-year prison term.

The Press Association reports that if Pistorius is granted parole, he may depart from Atteridgeville Correctional Centre in Pretoria on Friday, although the Department of Corrections cautioned that the procedure could take several days to complete in the event of his successful application.

At the hearing, Steenkamp's parents, Barry and June Steenkamp, who have expressed their objection to Pistorius's release, are entitled to speak to the parole board. The board considers various considerations, including submissions by the victim's family members.

Barry said last month: "He is a murderer. He should remain in jail."

The Department of Corrections refused to provide information about Pistorius's hearing, stating that it was an "internal matter" similar to any other parole hearing.

The board is bound to evaluate various factors, as per the guidelines, such as the nature of the crime for which Pistorius was found guilty, his behavior and disciplinary record while in custody, any educational or vocational programs he has participated in, his physical and mental condition, the likelihood of his committing another offense, and the danger he may pose to society.

Legal expert Neo Mashele said: "Generally speaking, the behavior of the offender is the most important consideration."

Earlier, Pistorius's parole attorney, Julian Knight, mentioned that the ex-athlete had been an exemplary prisoner.

The previous month, Steenkamp's parents disclosed that they had visited Pistorius in jail, stating that they desired to learn the "truth" about their daughter's demise.

During an interview with Good Morning Britain on February 14, which marked the 10-year anniversary of Steenkamp's passing, they were questioned about Pistorius's demeanor during their prison visit.

Barry said: "Naturally, anybody who has been in prison and you've killed or murdered somebody, there's always remorse after that."

"Except for the odd person who doesn't care, but I'm sure that he did have remorse after shooting Reeva."

"When I went and met Oscar I asked him certain questions."

"All June and I wanted to know was the truth - what we feel was the truth - that he actually killed her because of anger."

He continued: "I didn't get the answers that I wanted. So, it could have taken us the whole day but in the end it was shortened by me saying we aren't getting the answers that we want. And we'll leave it at that. Now only Oscar knows the true story."