The name Donovan Moodley is one that still sends ripples through the Bond University community.
Convicted of the brutal 2004 murder of student Leigh Matthews, Moodley has been behind bars for just over 20 years.
But now, his long-standing prison sentence may be approaching a dramatic turning point.
On Monday, the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board approved his release—a decision that has reignited emotions on all sides.
However, it’s not yet the final word. The ultimate authority rests with the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, who will decide whether Moodley can truly walk free.
Revisiting the Crimes That Shook a Community
Moodley’s crimes were chilling and meticulously calculated.
In 2004, he kidnapped 21-year-old Leigh Matthews, extorted R50,000 from her parents, and ultimately murdered her by shooting her four times.
After a harrowing investigation, he was sentenced in August 2005 to life imprisonment for murder, along with 15 years for kidnapping and 10 years for extortion.
Leigh’s tragic death left a lasting scar on her family and the wider community.
Even decades later, the details of the case continue to make headlines as the parole process unfolds.
The Complex Parole Process
Despite the parole board’s approval, Moodley’s potential release is far from certain.
The Department of Correctional Services emphasizes that granting parole to life-sentenced offenders is a multi-step procedure.
After a recommendation from the board, the matter goes to the National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS), and finally, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services has the final authority.
“The parole process for offenders serving life sentences follows several distinct phases,” the department explained.
“A final decision has not yet been made.”
In other words, Moodley’s future still hangs in the balance.
The Matthews Family Grapples with Uncertainty
For Leigh Matthews’ parents, Rob and Sharon, the parole board’s decision has been devastating.
Their legal representative, Tania Koen, said the family is still weighing their options and coping with emotional exhaustion.
“This was Moodley’s third parole hearing. Rob and Sharon didn’t attend because they are emotionally drained,” Koen shared.
She also revealed that the family submitted a victim impact report but has been denied access to Moodley’s latest rehabilitation profile—a document they believe is crucial to assessing whether he is genuinely ready to rejoin society.
Koen added that the profile only covers Moodley’s last 18 months, during which he was moved to Leeuwkop Prison in Johannesburg, raising questions about whether the assessment is comprehensive enough.
Moodley’s Legal Campaign and Educational Achievements
Moodley has actively challenged his incarceration over the years.
After two failed parole attempts, he took the matter to court in 2023, arguing for leniency on the grounds of rehabilitation and personal progress.
Judge Stuart Wilson ordered a fresh parole hearing, which has now led to the board’s approval.
In prison, Moodley has completed his LLB degree and has even represented himself in some of his legal battles, highlighting his determination to navigate the justice system independently.
What Comes Next?
Until the Minister of Justice issues a final decision, Moodley remains behind bars.
Meanwhile, the Matthews family, through their lawyer, may still challenge the parole recommendation or request a review, depending on the outcome.
For now, the nation waits as this emotionally charged case edges closer to another potentially life-altering decision.