Najwa Dirk Faces New Parole Hearing as Taliep Petersen’s Family Plans to Object

Najwa Dirk is expected to face another parole hearing next week, nearly 20 years after the murder of her husband, celebrated Cape musician Taliep Petersen. According to the report, Petersen’s family intends to oppose her bid, which follows an earlier application that was set aside so Dirk could undergo further assessment and complete recommended programmes. Petersen’s sister, Maatoema Groenmeyer, said the family remains convinced Dirk should stay in prison. She described Dirk as the mastermind behind her brother’s killing and said she does not believe Dirk has been rehabilitated. Groenmeyer also said the family would review the plan presented by the Correctional Supervision Parole Board and would appeal the request. The court was unable to establish whether Dirk or former hitman Waheed Hassen fired the shot that killed Petersen. Hassen has since been granted parole. Dirk denied being in the television room when the shot was fired, while Petersen’s children have previously said she admitted to partial involvement in their father’s murder. The report says Petersen’s children have chosen not to comment on the latest proceedings. In an earlier interview, they said they had forgiven Dirk and believed she needed psychological help. They also spoke of wanting to let go of resentment for the sake of their younger sister, Zaynub, who still needs her mother. The Department of Correctional Services did not confirm the hearing date. However, Groenmeyer said the family received a letter inviting them to attend a hearing expected to take place at Pollsmoor Prison on November 18. The department had previously said Dirk needed to complete additional intervention programmes before becoming eligible for parole consideration. Dirk was sentenced to 28 years after being convicted in connection with Petersen’s murder on December 16, 2006. Her parole was granted in 2024, but the decision was suspended by Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald after an appeal by Petersen’s family.