The Department of Correctional Services has confirmed that parole has once again been denied to convicted murderer Donovan Stanley Moodley, following a review of his parole profile by the National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS).

The Witness reports Moodley is serving a life sentence for the abduction and murder of university student Leigh Matthews in 2004.

According to the department, the NCCS considered Moodley’s parole profile in terms of Section 78 of the Correctional Services Act and recommended to Correctional Services Minister Dr Pieter Groenewald that parole placement not be granted at this stage. The Minister concurred with the recommendation.

As a result, Moodley will remain incarcerated and his parole profile will only be reconsidered after a further 24 months.

Moodley abducted 21-year-old Matthews outside Bond University in Morningside, Sandton, on July 9, 2004. He later demanded a ransom from her parents for her safe return. Matthews’ body was found days later, sparking national outrage and widespread media attention.

The department said that during the next two years, Moodley is required to undergo additional structured correctional programmes, psychotherapy sessions and assessments by independent, non-treating specialists. These assessments will be used to determine his risk profile and measure progress in rehabilitation.

In a statement, the department stressed that parole consideration is not automatic and is not based solely on the completion of programmes or the minimum period of incarceration served.

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

It added that offenders can only be considered for placement back into the community once all relevant structures are satisfied that rehabilitation has been achieved and that any risk posed to the community is manageable.

Moodley was previously denied parole in 2022 and again in 2023.

Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo previously explained that parole for offenders serving life sentences follows several stages.

“The matter is first assessed by the Case Management Committee, followed by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board,” Nxumalo said.

“Thereafter, recommendations are referred to the National Council for Correctional Services, before the final decision rests with the Minister of Correctional Services.”

The department said Moodley’s file has now been returned to the relevant management area with clear directives on the required interventions and the timeframe before his parole profile may be resubmitted.

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