Taliep Petersen's Family to Oppose Najwa Dirk's Latest Parole Bid

Najwa Dirk, the mastermind behind the murder of Cape music legend Taliep Petersen, is expected to face another parole hearing next week. Petersen's family has indicated that it plans to oppose the latest bid, shortly before the 20th anniversary of his murder. Dirk was sentenced to 28 years after being convicted of masterminding her husband's murder on December 16, 2006, in Athlone.

Petersen's siblings, including Maatoema Groenmeyer, remain adamant that Dirk must remain behind bars, believing she was the mastermind behind the tragic death and still suspecting she had her hand on the trigger alongside former hitman Waheed Hassen. Hassen has since been granted parole. At the time of sentencing, the court ruled that it could not be determined who had pulled the trigger, that it was either Dirk or Hassen.

Dirk denied being in the TV room when the shot was fired, and Groenmeyer stated that the family would assess the plan the Correctional Supervision Parole Board (CSPB) is delivering but would appeal her request. Meanwhile, Taliep's children have requested not to comment on the proceedings, but during a previous interview, they said they had forgiven Dirk and that she needed psychological help.

The Department of Correctional Services' (DCS) communications officer, Candice Van Reenen, stated that they were unable to confirm the sitting of the CSPB for Dirk. However, Groenmeyer said the family had received a letter inviting them to attend its hearing, which is expected to take place at Pollsmoor Prison on November 18.

In January, the City of Cape Town awarded Taliep its highest civic honour, the Freedom of the City, which was accepted on behalf of his daughters. A year ago, DCS indicated that Petersen needed more time to become a candidate for parole, which meant that, following an assessment conducted by the CSPB, further work had to be done regarding her profile.

Dirk's parole was granted in 2024 but was suspended by the Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, following an appeal by Taliep's family. Groenmeyer said the family had suffered a significant impact following the murder and that Dirk had shown no remorse, calling her cold and calculated.

Should Dirk be granted parole, she is expected to return to the same suburb where the murder took place. Her youngest son, Suleiman Effendi, said he would take full responsibility for his mother when she was released and make sure that she did not breach her parole conditions. The Athlone Community Policing Forum was also contacted for comment but said they were yet to be informed about the proceedings.

Key points

• Petersen's family plans to oppose Dirk's parole bid due to concerns she has not rehabilitated.
• Dirk was sentenced to 28 years for masterminding Taliep Petersen's murder.
• Taliep's children have forgiven Dirk and believe she needs psychological help.