Convicted killer Donovan Moodley, who is serving a life sentence for the 2004 murder of Bond University student Leigh Matthews, could soon walk free after the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board approved his release on Monday.
However, the final decision now lies with the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services.
Donovan Moodley has served just over 20 years behind bars.
In August 2005, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years for kidnapping, and 10 years for extortion after he kidnapped the 21-year-old student, extorted R50 000 from her parents, and later shot her four times, leaving her body in a field.
Parole Process Not Yet Finalised
The Department of Correctional Services stressed that parole for life-sentenced offenders is a multi-stage process.
After the Parole Board’s recommendation, the matter is referred to the National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS), with the Minister having the final say.
“The parole process for offenders serving life sentences follows several distinct phases,” said the department.
“A final decision has not yet been made.”
Victim’s Family Still Considering Legal Options
Tania Koen, legal representative for Leigh Matthews’s parents, Rob and Sharon, said they were deeply distraught by the board’s decision and are still considering their next steps.
“This was the third parole hearing for Moodley. Rob and Sharon did not attend, as they are emotionally drained,” Koen said.
She confirmed that a victim impact report was submitted and expressed concern that Moodley’s legal team refused access to his latest rehabilitation profile, a key document that would help the family understand whether he is ready for reintegration into society.
“We applied for access to his profile, but this was denied. Victims have a right to know if an offender has truly rehabilitated,” Koen said.
She added that the latest profile only covered the last 18 months, during which Moodley was transferred to Leeuwkop Prison in Johannesburg, raising questions about the completeness of his rehabilitation assessment.
Moodley’s Legal Campaign
Donovan Moodley previously took the matter to court in 2023 after two unsuccessful parole hearings.
At the time, he appealed for the board to show him “ubuntu”, arguing he had made progress toward rehabilitation.
Judge Stuart Wilson ordered a new parole hearing, which ultimately led to the current approval.
Moodley, who has since completed his LLB degree in prison, has represented himself in his legal challenges.
Until the Minister of Justice makes a final decision, Moodley remains incarcerated.
The Matthews family, through their lawyer, may still challenge the parole recommendation or request a review, depending on the outcome.
