Najwa's family 'filthy rich'
2007-10-29 09:31
Linza de Jager
Cape Town - Najwa Petersen's family has more money than the average person even dreams about.
Much of the Dirk family's money and property is in Namibia. The rest is in South Africa.
Information about the family's Namibian riches was revealed last week in the Wynberg Regional Court.
Najwa's brother, Yusuf, said in an affidavit that the Dirks' property, shopping centres, houses and massive Skania and Volvo trucks are worth many millions.
One piece of land in Ondangwa is worth R10 million.
The family also owns two shopping centres that they lease out.
The one consists of 26 shops that are leased out at R25 000 a month.
The family also owns several houses and erven which are worth millions.
Yusuf says further that the family business, Dirk Fruit, was started by his father, Suleiman.
Najwa, like most other members of the Dirk family, worked for the business until she became ill.
Big business
After her illness, Dirk Fruit however continued paying Najwa R22 000 monthly to cover her cost of living.
According to Yusuf, Dirk Fruit is registered in the name of his brother, Shamiel.
"It's for licence purposes. I can ask for any funds from the business."
Yusuf explained in his statement why the sensitive financial information has been revealed.
"I'm sketching this to prove there's nothing sinister about Najwa having a bank account in Namibia."
He ends: "As her elder brother, I would never allow her to live in Namibia as a fugitive."
He was referring to fears that Najwa would flee to Namibia if she were granted bail.
- Kaapse Son