Leigh Matthews’ killer to wait another two years for parole reconsideration

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has rejected the latest parole bid by Donovan Moodley, the man convicted of the 2004 murder of university student Leigh Matthews. The decision ensures Moodley will remain behind bars for at least another two years before his case can be reviewed again.

MINISTERIAL DECISION
The DCS confirmed that Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, acting on a recommendation from the National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS), declined to grant Moodley’s release.

Moodley is currently serving a life sentence for the abduction and murder of Matthews. While it appeared earlier this year that the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board might favour his early release, the NCCS and the Minister have ultimately blocked the move.

REQUIRED INTERVENTIONS
Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo clarified the grounds for the decision:

“After careful consideration of all relevant reports and submissions, the National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS) recommended to the Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, that parole placement not be granted at this stage, and that the offender Donovan Stanley Moodley be afforded a further parole profile following additional interventions. The Minister concurred with this recommendation.”

NEXT STEPS
Moodley has made multiple unsuccessful attempts to secure early release over the last two decades. His files will now be returned to the relevant management areas. These documents will include clear directives regarding the specific interventions Moodley must complete and the prescribed timeframe required before a new parole profile may be resubmitted for consideration.

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