South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius is set to be released from prison on August 21 having served just 10 months for culpable homicide in the killing of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The Olympic and Paralympic track star is currently serving a five year prison sentence after being convicted in October following a seven-month trial.

Rumours of his impending release on parole emerged through a family member this morning and were later confirmed by Zach Modise, the commissioner of South Africa's correctional services.

However his likely release will not signal the end of case for Pistorius, who faces the prospect of an appeal hearing in November after prosecutors won their bid to challenge the culpable homicide conviction and seek a murder conviction instead.

South African officials say Oscar Pistorius may be moved from prison to house arrest before the end of the summer, with Mr Modise adding: 'He has been recommended for correctional supervision on August 21'.

The release of Pistorius, whose lower legs were amputated when he was a baby, was largely expected because he was sentenced under South African law to serve a short period of time in jail, or just one-sixth of the sentence.