Family source says Oscar Pistorius's parole is being DELIBERATELY delayed because authorities are worried pictures of him enjoying freedom will be 'unpopular'

Oscar Pistorius's bid for freedom is being deliberately delayed because the authorities fear his release would spark a furious backlash, a family source told MailOnline.

The Paralympian could remain behind bars indefinitely following another parole hearing stalled. 

The failure of a review board to rule yesterday on the athlete's parole comes just weeks before an appeal court considers whether to convict him of murdering Reeva Steenkamp, meaning he could in jail indefinitely.

If he is convicted of the higher charge, he will spend at least another 15 years inside.

The Paralympian was due to be freed from jail in August and put under house arrest at his uncle's mansion, but an 11th hour intervention by the South African government led to a review of his parole.

Two subsequent hearings of the parole review board failed to decide on Pistorius's fate – prompting speculation that the decision to keep the 28-year-old in jail is politically-motivated.

A family source told MailOnline: 'It seems the authorities are under some sort of instructions to play for time, right up until the appeal. 

'He was supposed to have some weeks at least to recover a bit, consult with his lawyers and prepare himself for the appeal. 

'It seems as if the government doesn't want pictures being shown of him having any freedom in case this is unpopular. 

'They are under a lot of pressure to keep him locked up until they absolutely have to let him out. 

'The way this case is being handled seems unfair. There are rules and there are 'Oscar' rules. 

'Whatever you think about him, or what he did, it is dangerous that the government are interfering in the justice system.' 

Today, Pistorius's lawyers were considering an emergency application following the failure of the Parole Review Board to make a ruling in his case, MailOnline has learned

The board's chair, Judge Lucy Mailula, yesterday ordered that Pistorius should undergo psychotherapy as she referred the case back to the parole board, which originally ruled Pistorius was fit to be released into correctional supervision, which his sentencing terms provided for. 

It is not known when that panel are next due to meet.

The delay prompted an outpouring of dismay on social media from the track star's legion of devoted – and mostly female – fans and supporters, known as Pistorians.

 Gunned down: Pistorius was jailed for shooting Miss Steenkamp through a toilet door on Valentine's Day 2013. He claimed he thought she was an intruder and was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter

Reaction from the Pistorius family was restricted to a tweet from Carl Pistorius – who has vowed not to shave until his brother is free.

'The parole review board refers the decision back to the parole board! What does that even mean?!' he wrote.

Correctional Services sokesperson Manelisi Wolela confirmed psychotherapy was one of the directions delivered by the panel discussing Pistorius's case. 

Pistorius was jailed for five years for shooting Miss Steenkamp dead on Valentine's Day 2013. 

He claims he believed she was an intruder and was cleared of her murder, instead being found guilty of culpable homicide or manslaughter. 

Prosecutors are appealing the court's decision and will argue for a murder conviction next month. 

Attempts by Pistorius's lawyers to halt the appeal have failed

'Taking things one day at a time': Miss Steenkamp's parents Barry and June (above) had earlier objected to a decision that Pistorius was fit to serve the remainder of his manslaughter sentence at his uncle's mansion

Today, her uncle Mike Steenkamp, told South Africa's Times newspaper: 'We are not clapping and dancing. But we are saying that the processes are justified.

'What has happened now has happened for a reason.'

He said the 29-year-old model's parents were 'taking things one day at a time'.

He added: 'It is difficult. It will never be over for them. No matter what, you never get over something as difficult as this.'

Barry and June Steenkamp had earlier objected to a decision by prison bosses that Pistorius was fit to serve the remainder of his manslaughter sentence at his uncle's mansion, just a few miles from his cell at Kgosi Mampuru jail, in Pretoria. 

A last-minute intervention by Justice Minister Michael Malutha followed a massive petition against his release by an influential women's group, affiliated to the ruling African National Congress. 

The timing of his parole – just days after what would have been Reeva's birthday, also appeared to fuel the backlash against his early release.

In less than a month, a full panel of five appeal court judges will begin deliberating whether the runner's 'culpable homicide' sentence should be overturned in favour of murder.

If he is convicted of murder, Pistorius is expected to serve at least 15 years in jail. The panel could also reject the appeal brought by the state or order a re-trial.