Taliep judgment gets under way
2008-12-01 10:52
Verashni Pillay
Cape Town - Murder accused Najwa Petersen stepped into the dock on Monday morning, as crowds gathered to hear the final verdict in the Taliep Petersen murder case.
"The black widow," muttered one observer, noting Petersen's black head scarf. The 47-year old has worn a series of colourful outfits and matching scarves in her previous court appearances.
Nearly two years after the popular entertainer was shot dead execution-style in his Athlone home, his family gathered to hear Judge Siraj Desai's judgment after more than a month of deliberation over closing arguments.
Fellow accused Abdoer Raasiet Emjedi, Waheed Hassen and Jefferson Snyders were also in the dock.
Taliep's family sat in their customary front row of the gallery, amidst others from the close community who have become court regulars as the sensational case has unfolded.
Petersen's eldest daughter from a previous marriage, Jawaahier arrived with her new husband, Ridaah Damon. The two were married on Sunday.
Taliep's father listened with head bowed as Desai began summarising the evidence. Taliep's young son Ashur sat alongside him in a similar pose.
The trial has been closely followed, as the details of the Petersen's marriage, previous stabbings, diamond deals and Najwa's history of mental illness unfolded.
Desai is expected to hand down his verdict early on Tuesday.
- News24