The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that Najwa Petersen, who was said to have orchestrated the murder of her husband and music legend Taliep Petersen, has been granted parole.

According to the department, Petersen appeared before the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB) on Wednesday where her parole placement date has been set for 27 November 2024.

‘This decision was made in accordance with Section 73 of the Correctional Services Act, which requires that the minimum sentence period be served before parole consideration.

‘The victims were involved in the parole hearing process and have been informed of the CSPB’s decision,’ the department explained.

According to reports, she was found guilty of hiring two hitmen to kill her husband. The judge described her actions as ‘callous’ during her 2008 trial.

The now 63-year-old Petersen began serving a 28-year sentence in 2009 for murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

‘She has participated in various rehabilitatio
n programmes and will now be enrolled in pre-release programmes to prepare her for reintegration into society.’

In a statement, the department explained that Petersen will serve the remainder of her sentence under the community corrections system, monitored according to parole conditions.

According to the department, normal parole conditions will apply.

‘For example, she is not allowed to leave her magisterial district without informing her parole officer. She is also not allowed to conduct media interviews. Critical to highlight, there is going to be a continuity of restorative justice processes involving the victims of crime with the help of professionals,’ the department said.

Source: South African Government News Agency