Taliep Petersen’s family to oppose Najwa Dirk’s latest parole bid
Taliep Petersen’s family plans to oppose Najwa Dirk’s latest parole application, although Correctional Services has not confirmed the date of the hearing.
The family of Taliep Petersen, the Cape music legend, has announced their intention to oppose Najwa Dirk's latest parole bid, which is set to take place shortly before the 20th anniversary of her husband's murder. Petersen's siblings, including Maatoema Groenmeyer, maintain that Dirk, the mastermind behind their brother's death, should remain behind bars.
Groenmeyer asserts that the family will assess the proposal from the Correctional Supervision Parole Board (CSPB) but will appeal the request. Dirk's children have chosen not to comment on the proceedings, but previously mentioned that they had forgiven Dirk and hoped for her psychological rehabilitation. The family believes Dirk has not adequately rehabilitated and that she still played a role in their father's death, either pulling the trigger or assisting accomplices Waheed Hassen.
Dirk was initially sentenced to 28 years in 2006 for the murder, which she tried to stage as a robbery. Hassen was sentenced to 25 years, and another co-accused, Emjedi, received 24 years, all serving their minimum terms. Dirk was granted parole in 2024 but had it suspended by the Minister of Correctional Services after her family appealed.
The family has expressed their grief over the loss of their father, noting that he never met his grandchildren or witnessed his children succeed academically and professionally. They claim Dirk's parole would allow him to return to Athlone, where the murder occurred, and that his youngest son will take responsibility for her while he is out on parole.
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