Barry Steenkamp, the father of murdered South African model and law graduate Reeva Steenkamp, who was killed by athlete Oscar Pistorius, has died aged 80.

Steenkamp’s death was announced on social media by the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation.

"We find solace in the knowledge that he is now with his beloved Reeva," it said.

Reeva's family had set up the foundation after her death to fight violence and abuse against women and children.

She was shot dead on Valentine’s Day in 2013 by Pistorius, who was her boyfriend. He is currently serving a 13-year sentence for the murder.

Amid the Pistorius trial in January 2014, Barry Steenkamp had suffered a stroke, but later recovered.

In March this year, Pistorius's bid for parole collapsed after it was revealed he had not yet served enough time to qualify for early release.

Reeva’s mother, June, opposed the bid, saying she did not believe Pistorius was remorseful or rehabilitated.