Leigh Matthews' family wants Donovan Moodley to stay in prison for life
The family of slain student Leigh Matthews wants her convicted killer to remain in behind bars for the rest of his life.
Matthews was shot and killed in 2004 after being abducted. Her kidnappers demanded a R50 000 ransom, which her father Rob subsequently paid.
But her lifeless body was later discovered in the south of Johannesburg. Donovan Moodley was arrested, convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for her death.
On Tuesday, Women and Men Against Child Abuse, alongside Matthews' father Rob, held a press briefing following reports that Moodley may be considered for parole.
The organisation's Luke Lamprecht said Moodley does not qualify for parole.
"When parole comes into play, to qualify or to be considered for early release under correctional supervision or house arrest, there has to be evidence of rehabilitation. There needs to be remorse, truth and rehabilitation. For someone to be rehabilitated, they have to admit authenticity that they were guilty and show remorse and this is highly unlikely in the case of Mr Moodley," he said.
Lamprecht said Moodley has never admitted to the crime but instead made himself a victim and then hero, but refused to disclose the other people he claimed were involved in the crime.
Matthews' father echoed his sentiments, saying the family has been through an emotional rollercoaster since her abduction 17 years ago.
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He said the family was not just standing up for themselves but for other families who don't have the resources to fight the system and ensure it is victim-centred.
"This is not just about Leigh, this about all the Leighs out there. It's about those people that don't have a voice and haven't been able to get to where I am sitting to talk about their grievances.
"It's time government and those people in charge sat back and looked at what is happening and took decisive steps to rectify this. The talk show can't keep going. When Moodley was given a life sentence me and my family were happy that's great because he was taken off the street."
He said the family believes if someone is given a life imprisonment, that is what should happen.
"There can't be loopholes found along the way to achieve the KRA's for correctional services. This is not a KRA for us as citizens of this county, we expect you to look after us, not to worry about looking after the criminals. They put themselves there."
The Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Logan Maistry said Moodley has not been considered for placement on parole.
"The process of preparing profile reports of inmates due for consideration for possible placement on parole is initiated by the case management committee six months before offenders reach their minimum detention period.
"Parole is not a right, and related decisions are in line with relevant legislation. Once all necessary requirements have been complied with and due process completed, the minister of justice will make a decision on whether or not to grant parole to the said inmate."
Maistry said all relevant stakeholders and especially the family of the victim, will be consulted before Moodley is placed on parole.
