Oscar Pistorius has been recommended for release on probation as early as August 21 by South Africa's Correctional Services Department.

In October last year, Pistorius was sentenced to five years in prison for the culpable homicide of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in February 2013.

Pistorius claimed he mistook Ms Steenkamp for an intruder, and was found not guilty of the more series charge of 'dolus eventualis' murder by Judge Thokozile Maspia following a lengthy trial.

The Supreme Court of Appeal has confirmed it will hear the State's appeal against Pistorius' murder acquittal, due to be held in November.

However, Pistorius could be released on probation before then. He is expected to be placed under house arrest if he leaves prison.

"An application has been made by the case management committee of the Kgosi Mampuru Prison to the Parole Board that Mr Oscar Pistorius should be considered for probation on 21 August of this year," Correctional Services acting national commissioner Zach Modise said in a statement.