Najwa's son 'near breakdown'

2007-11-07 21:24

Cape Town - Suleiman Effendi, stepson of slain musician Taliep Petersen, had to take over responsibility for the Petersen household after police arrested his mother, Najwa, for Taliep's murder.

This was disclosed in a letter handed to the Wynberg Regional Court on Wednesday during Najwa Petersen's second bail application before Magistrate Robert Henney.

The letter, from clinical psychologist Rafiq Lockhat, said Effendi, 19, was on the verge of an emotional breakdown since Petersen's arrest.

Lockhat said Effendi had consulted him in August, when things had become too much for him and he was reaching breaking point.

"Suleiman told me his life had changed dramatically since the murder of his stepfather. Since then, his mother has been in custody, and the responsibility of looking after the household suddenly fell on his young shoulders.

"He told me he went from being a normal, carefree student to being a responsible adult.

"He has had to cope with looking after his half sister, Zaynab, as well as ensuring that the household was running effectively.

"He has also had to cope with his own grief over his stepfather's death."

The letter said Effendi had described his relationship with Taliep as brilliant, and that Taliep had always made time for him.

The letter added: "Suleiman regarded Taliep's death as a big loss.

"Obviously, he has also to cope with his mother's incarceration, as well as the constant publicity surrounding the case. Suleiman was shown on TV as breaking down in court."

Lockhat said, as Suleiman's therapist, he had to find a way to protect Effendi from an emotional breakdown.

The application continues on Monday.

- SAPA