Najwa Petersen's son to ensure she complies with parole conditions, should she be released

Convicted murderer Najwa Petersen's son, Sulaiman Effendi, said should his mother be released on parole, he'll make sure she complies with her parole conditions.

He spoke during an emotionally charged community meeting on Thursday night to discuss his mother's upcoming parole later in November.

Najwa was sentenced to 28 years in prison in 2009 for orchestrating her husband, Taliep Petersen's murder.

The music and theatre icon was shot dead at his Athlone home in 2006.

Najwa’s family said her kids have suffered a great deal growing up without their mother for almost two decades.

Effendi believes his mother deserves a second a chance, and that she has paid for her sins in the past 19 years.

But Taliep's brother, Igsaan, feels differently.

Igsaan said while he sympathises with Najwa's kids, she should have considered their wellbeing before carrying out a hit on his brother.

He said Najwa committed the crime and should do the time.

Athlone Police Station’s commander, Colonel Junaid Alcock, said Najwa's parole hearing is scheduled for 26 November.

COMMUNITY DIVIDED

Meanwhile, the Athlone community is divided over Najwa’s possible release on parole.

This comes as Athlone police and the area's community policing forum (CPF) met on Thursday to discuss Najwa's upcoming parole hearing.

Athlone CPF chairperson Vernon Piedt said it's clear that Najwa and Taliep’s families are still deeply hurt and have a long road towards healing.

"These families that were here need to find a common ground and start to forgive each other. If she's released, the rest of the family need to come together and say, ‘let's forgive each other,’ and healing needs to take place."

A report on the community's inputs will be formulated and presented to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board for consideration.

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