Donovan Moodley Denied Parole As Minister Upholds NCCS Recommendation

Donovan Moodley, convicted of the kidnapping and murder of university student Leigh Matthews, will remain behind bars after his application for parole was refused following an extensive review process.

Moodley is serving a life sentence for abducting and killing Matthews in July 2003, just a day after her 21st birthday. She was seized from the Bond University campus in Sandton and taken to a remote area, where Moodley contacted her father, Rob Matthews, demanding a ransom of R50,000.

Although the parole board recommended in November that Moodley be considered for parole, the decision was subject to further statutory scrutiny before reaching Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald for final approval.

NCCS recommendation halts Donovan Moodley parole bid

Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed on Friday that the National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS) advised against granting parole at this stage.

“After careful consideration of all relevant reports and submissions, the National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS) recommended to minister Groenewald that parole placement not be granted at this stage,” Nxumalo said.

The NCCS further advised that Moodley should undergo additional interventions before his parole profile is reviewed again. Groenewald supported this recommendation.

New review scheduled in 24 months

“In accordance with this decision, parole placement has not been granted. The offender’s profile will be resubmitted after a period of 24 months for reconsideration by the NCCS and, thereafter, by the minister,” Nxumalo said.

During this period, Moodley is required to participate in structured correctional programmes, psychotherapy and assessments conducted by independent, non-treating specialists. These evaluations will be used to determine his risk level and assess progress towards rehabilitation.

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Nxumalo emphasised that the parole process goes beyond time served or programme completion.

“Minister Groenewald reiterates that parole consideration is not solely dependent on the completion of programmes or the serving of the minimum required period of incarceration.

“Statutory structures thoroughly assess all available information, including professional reports and risk assessments, before making any recommendation,” he said.

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