Reeva Steenkamp family praises move to block Pistorius release

Barry Steenkamp, father of Reeva Steenkamp, is consoled by his wife June Steenkamp during the sentencing hearing of Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria in October 15, 2014. (Photo: Reuters)

The family of Reeva Steenkamp has welcomed the the South African government's surprise decision to block the release of Paralympian Oscar Pistorius, who is serving a five-year prison sentence for her killing.

Jacqui Mofokeng, a member of a women's advocacy group, said Thursday that Steenkamp's mother June told her it was the "best day ever for Reeva" when news broke that Pistorius would not be released as expected on Friday after just 10 months behind bars.