ATHLONE TO DISCUSS NAJWA PAROLE

ATHLONE community members will have their say about Najwa Dirk being released back into their neighbourhood.

Najwa Dirk, better known as Najwa Petersen, was convicted and sent to the mang for the murder of Kaapse music legend Taliep Petersen. 

According to policing stakeholders, the Community Policing Forum and the station commander who issued a public notice, the community had a meeting on Wednesday evening to give their input on how they feel about her being released on parole

A flyer read issued by the Policing structures: "This is a safe and inclusive space for the community members to share your concerns, make your voices heard and reflected on the impact this case has had on your families and the community."

The meeting is expected to take place on Thursday in Athlone at 7.30pm.

Dirk's parole was suspended after the Correctional Services Minister Dr Pieter Groenewald referred the decision to the Parole Review Board for a comprehensive review, following representations from the victim's family.

Originally granted parole by the Pollsmoor prison parole board for a 27 November 2024 release, the parole was on hold pending the review's outcome. 

This was after Taliep's family penned a letter to the Ministry calling for a review of the parole.

Najwa was sentenced to 28 years after being convicted of being the mastermind behind her husband’s murder while co-accused Waheed Hassen received 25 years.

Hassen, also met with the parole board in 2021 and was granted parole last year. Abdoer Raasiet Emjedi, also a co-accused, was sentenced to 24 years behind bars in 2009 and served his minimum term after being convicted of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Emjedi was released on parole in 2020.Another co-accused, Jefferson Snyders, who was convicted of aggravated robbery and was sentenced to 10 years and acquitted of the murder, died three years ago.