Najwa Petersen Granted Parole, Set for Release in November 2024

The decision complies with Section 73 of the Correctional Services Act, which mandates that inmates serve the minimum sentence period before being considered for parole.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that Najwa Petersen, convicted for orchestrating the murder of her husband, music legend Taliep Petersen, has been granted parole. Petersen's parole placement is scheduled for 27 November 2024, following her appearance before the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB) on Wednesday.

The decision complies with Section 73 of the Correctional Services Act, which mandates that inmates serve the minimum sentence period before being considered for parole. "The victims were involved in the parole hearing process and have been informed of the CSPB's decision," the department stated.

Petersen, now 63, was sentenced to 28 years in 2009 for murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances after being found guilty of hiring two hitmen to kill her husband. During her 2008 trial, the judge described her actions as "callous."

Since her incarceration, Petersen has participated in various rehabilitation programs and will now undergo pre-release programs to prepare her for reintegration into society. Upon release, she will serve the remainder of her sentence under community corrections, monitored according to standard parole conditions.

The DCS noted that Petersen will be restricted from leaving her magisterial district without informing her parole officer and will not be allowed to conduct media interviews. Restorative justice processes involving the victims will continue, with professional support provided.