The family of murdered university student Leigh Matthews has strongly criticised the recommendation by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board to release her killer, Donovan Moodley, on parole.
Moodley, convicted in 2005 for the 2004 kidnapping and murder of then 21-year-old Matthews, has been serving a life sentence.
‘Major shift’
Despite several failed attempts to gain parole over the years, the board’s latest recommendation marks a major shift – although the final decision still rests with the Minister of Justice after review by the National Council for Correctional Services.
Leigh’s father, Rob Matthews, expressed deep concern over the parole board’s decision, saying the recommendation was based solely on a limited and recent prison profile from Leeuwkop Correctional Centre, where Moodley was moved just 18 months ago.
The Matthews family believes the board ignored Moodley’s full record from nearly two decades behind bars, including alleged misconduct and threats made against the family.
They claim Moodley previously accused them of plotting hits against him while in prison – a pattern of behaviour they say casts doubt on his rehabilitation.
The final ruling by the Minister of Justice is still pending, and the Matthews family is reportedly considering their legal options.
Extorted R50 000
In August 2005, Moodley was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years for kidnapping, and 10 years for extortion after he kidnapped Leigh Matthews, extorted R50 000 from her parents, and later shot her four times, leaving her body in a field.
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 will remain incarcerated.
Former Springbok 1995 Rugby World Cup-winning lock, Kobus Wiese, was among those adamant that Moodley should be denied parole.
