Donovan Moodley's potential release prompts emotional turmoil for Leigh Matthews' parents
Convicted murderer Donovan Moodley during his trial.
Image: File
The killer of Bond University student Leigh Matthews, Donovan Moodley, could be a step closer to freedom after the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board approved his release following a two-decade stay in prison.
However, his journey toward potential freedom remains precarious as the final decision lies with the Minister of Correctional Services.
The news, delivered by Tania Koen, the attorney representing Leigh’s parents, Rob and Sharon Matthews, comes as the couple grapples with the emotional weight of Moodley's approval for parole.
Despite the board's recommendation, Koen emphasised that the Matthews family is still weighing their options in response to this distressing development.
It is important to note that Moodley’s release is not assured. The Department of Correctional Services outlined that the parole process for individuals serving life sentences involves multiple phases.
Initially, the Case Management Committee assesses the case, followed by recommendations from the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board. Ultimately, the National Council for Correctional Services reviews these recommendations before the Minister makes the final ruling.
On the emotional state of Leigh's parents, Koen explained, “Rob and Sharon did not feel up to attending the hearing, as they are emotionally drained. This is the third time the board has considered parole.”
The ongoing trauma of this situation underscores the pain the Matthews family continues to endure.
Koen highlighted that just as Moodley exercised his right to challenge the parole board’s earlier denials, the Matthews family, as victims, deserves the same consideration and voice. However, at this juncture, she could not confirm the specific actions they might take following the board's recommendation.
Of particular concern for the Matthews family is Moodley's refusal to grant access to his latest profile, which includes evaluations from experts on his rehabilitation progress.
“This is a concern for us. We applied to be given access to his profile because the victims need to know whether he has rehabilitated. But he denied us this right,” Koen stated, expressing the family’s need for clarity and assurance about his character development behind bars.
Furthermore, Koen noted that the information available regarding Moodley's progress was limited to the past 18 months, coinciding with his transfer to Leeukop Prison in Johannesburg. This lack of transparency raises further apprehensions about Moodley’s readiness to reintegrate into society.
Two years ago, Moodley took legal action after the parole board declined his prior release due to concerns regarding his preparedness for life outside prison. In his appeal, he called upon the board and the Department to demonstrate “ubuntu,” an African philosophy emphasising community and mutual respect.
Judge Stuart Wilson subsequently ordered a new hearing, which was opposed vehemently by Koen. Moodley was denied parole yet again at that time. However, after a third review, he has now received approval, pending the minister's final decision.
Moodley was sentenced to life imprisonment on August 4, 2005, for the murder of Leigh Matthews, along with additional sentences of 15 years for kidnapping and 10 years for extortion.
In a harrowing case that shocked the nation, Moodley kidnapped the then 21-year-old Matthews in 2004, extorted R50,000 from her parents, and ultimately shot her four times, leaving her body in the veld. He pleaded guilty during his trial and has since completed an LLB degree while in prison.
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