WATCH: Steenkamp family pen heartbreaking statement as Oscar Pistorius faces parole board

The family of slain model Reeva Steenkamp have detailed the emotional effect her death ten years ago has had on them, as her killer faces a parole board on Friday.

Reeva’s mother June did not attend the parole hearing. She is still mourning the death of her husband Barry in September.

A witness impact statement from her was read at the hearing, and later shared by Rob Matthews.

In it, she spoke of how Reeva was a “miracle” baby and a light in their lives.

ALSO READ: Valentine’s Day killer Oscar Pistorius granted parole

“My memories go back to when my beautiful daughter Reeva Steenkamp was born. Reeva was born a miracle. She entered our lives after medical experts predicted I would have difficulty conceiving after a miscarriage. Barry and I had big dreams for Reeva.

“It has taken me the last ten years to realise Reeva had come to fulfil her destiny during her life, and more abundantly so in her tragic death.

“Our daughter left us memories we can only be proud of. The massive hole left in our future can never be filled by anyone else,” parts of the statement read.

Watch part of the statement being read out in the video below:

June believed Barry died of a broken heart.

“I have no doubt Barry died of a broken heart. No parent should have to bury a child, and certainly not in the circumstances that prevailed in the demise of Reeva,” she added.

‘My dear child screamed so loud the neighbours heard’

In another part of the statement, June reiterated that she does not believe Pistorius’ claim he shot Reeva because he thought she was an intruder.

ALSO READ: Oscar Pistorius’ parole hearing to be heard on Friday

“I do not believe Oscar’s version of what happened. I don’t think anyone believes his version of what happened. My dear child screamed so loud the neighbours heard”.

Reeva Steenkamp’s family lawyer Tania Koen told The Citizen the family would not lodge a formal objection to parole, but would submit the impact statement for the board’s consideration.

“We have not lodged a formal objection, but we have submitted or will be submitting a victim impact statement which will be read to the parole board by Advocate Annelie Hofmeyer. And then will be read to the press by Rob Matthews.”

Pistorius is serving a sentence of 13 years and five months at the Kgosi Mampuru Prison after he shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in the early hours of Valentine’s Day in 2013, opening fire on her while she was standing behind his closed bathroom door.

He had pleaded not guilty and denied killing Steenkamp in a rage, saying he mistook her for a burglar.

Parole board

On Tuesday, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the CSPB would conduct its business “as per the procedure on whether Pistorius is suitable or not for social reintegration”.

“It is upon the CSPB to work out the placement date should an inmate be declared ready to be placed on parole.  As a result, the Department of Correctional Services is unable to predict any possible outcome in terms of the processes.”

The CSPB denied the 36-year-old’s bid for freedom in March after a communique from the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), which said he had not served the minimum amount of jail time required.

However, Pistorius approached the Constitutional Court and in October it confirmed the Paralympian had been eligible for parole for more than six months after he served half of his sentence by 21 March.

ALSO READ: Oscar Pistorius has been eligible for parole since March