JOHANNESBURG - The Correctional Supervision and Parole Board approved the release of Donovan Moodley on parole.
He kidnapped and killed Leigh Matthews in 2004.
Moodley's case still needs to go back to the National Council for Correctional Services for consideration.
READ: Activists raise concern over Donovan Moodley's parole hearing
The final say on whether he actually leaves prison lies with Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald.
Moodley killed Matthews despite her parents having paid a 50-thousand rand ransom. A municipal worker discovered her naked body in southern Johannesburg.
Moodley pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to life in prison.