A parole board review panel meant to decide whether to acquit troubled athlete; Oscar Pistorius from prison has begun discussion.

South Africa's justice minister had earlier scuttled the Olympic athlete's early release in August in a surprise move.

It however remains hazy when the panel will rule whether the initial decision to free him early was correct.

Pistorius has served 11 months of his five-year sentence for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The review board, which is meeting in the eastern port city of Durban, comprises a panel of legal experts chaired by a judge.

Journalists from local media have gathered outside the Kgosi Mampuru II prison in Pretoria, where Pistorius is being held, in anticipation of a potential decision on Friday.

Under South African law, Pistorius is eligible for release under house arrest, having served a sixth of his sentence.

A court convicted him of culpable homicide, or manslaughter, over the killing of his girlfriend in 2013.

The double-amputee shot Reeva Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door at his home in South Africa's capital, Pretoria, believing she was an intruder, he told his trial.

The prosecution has appealed against the ruling, saying he should instead be convicted of murder.

This appeal is due to be heard in November.