Pistorius transferred to jail closer to victim's family

Oscar Pistorius, the former South African Paralympian who was jailed in 2016 for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, has been moved closer to his victim's family.

The move is in preparation for reconciliation talks that could help pave the way for his early release from prison.

Pistorius is set to speak to Steenkamp's parents, June and Barry Steenkamp, in a process known as victim-offender dialogue.

It is an integral part of South Africa's restorative justice program in its prison system that brings parties affected by a particular crime together in a bid to achieve closure.

Tania Koen, lawyer for the Steenkamps:

"The reason for that transfer is that June and Barry Steenkamp, the parents of late Reeva Steenkamp would like to participate in the victim-offender dialogue process but they are unable to travel, hence the department has seen fit for transfer of Oscar Pistorius to Gqeberha where they will be facilitating the process."

Pistorius, known as "Blade Runner" for his carbon-fiber prosthetic legs, was once the darling of the Paralympic movement... until he became a convicted murderer in a trial that drew worldwide interest.

He shot dead Steenkamp, a model and law student, in his bathroom in 2013.

Pistorius said he had believed she was an intruder but was jailed in 2016, initially for a six-year term.

After an appeal by prosecutors who said this was too lenient, the term was increased to 13 years.

He becomes eligible for parole after serving half of his 13-year sentence.