The family of Oscar Pistorius has criticised the "political and media hype" surrounding the athlete's case after a parole review board delayed his release.

Pistorius was set to be released from prison in August just 10 months into a five-year sentence following a verdict of culpable homicide for shooting dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who he says he mistook for an intruder, in February 2013.

However, South Africa's Ministry of Justice suspended the 28-year-old's release because he had not served the legal requirement of one sixth of his sentence.

The parole review board then sent the decision back to the original board for reconsideration on Monday, while ordering Pistorius to undergo psychotherapy.

Pistorius could now stay behind bars until after the South African state's appeal against his culpable homicide conviction will be heard on November 3.

The decision has been criticised by the six-time Paralympic champion's family.

A statement read: "We cannot understand why the matter is now to be referred back to the parole board that has no reason to make a different decision from the one that was made in the first place.

"We are concerned not only about the legality of the Parole Board's decision, but also about the fairness towards Oscar.

"This experience leaves us with the uncomfortable conclusion that the public, political and media hype that was allowed to develop around Oscar's trial has undermined his right to be treated like any other prisoner - as per the prescripts of the Correctional Services Act.

"We had put our trust in the correctional services system, but we are very disconcerted by the constant delays in obtaining clarity on this matter."