Watchdogs probe police handling of Zakiyya death

A digest of yesterday's top story.

Photo: Areesha/Facebook

24 Feb, 9:00 AM

Good morning. Today we’re looking at the human rights and police oversight bodies assuring probes into the unresolved death of a 50-year-old woman in Noonu Holhudhoo. Over on the news-in-brief section, we have a bill to remove two Supreme Court justices, a presidential discount on utility bills, and the suspension of the CEO of the scandal-ridden police welfare company.

Inquiries are underway into alleged negligence in the police investigation after a 50-year-old woman found dead in Noonu Holhudhoo on September 10, the Human Rights Commission and National Integrity Commission announced.

The police found no signs or evidence of murder in Zakiyya Moosa’s death. But many people on the island remain skeptical of suicide or self-harm.

The watchdogs assured probes after the island community outside the council office and police station on Saturday, demanding justice for Zakiyya, alleging tampering of the crime scene to destroy evidence, and expressing frustration about the pace and thoroughness of the ongoing police investigation.

"We won't give any more time,” they chanted, storming the police station and calling for the arrest of Zakiyya's husband and suspected family members.

On Sunday, the Human Rights Commission it had been looking into the police’s handling of the case since sharing concerns with the authorities in January. The commission said it was reviewing case documents obtained from the police.

Citing “serious allegations” of police negligence raised by the public, the National Integrity Commission it had decided on Thursday on its own initiative to determine whether police followed legal procedures and acted lawfully in the investigation.

Zakiyya’s death has unsettled and divided the small community.

On Sunday morning, 87 people submitted a petition to the island council against a proposal by a person suspected of involvement in Zakiyya's death to donate a carpet to a local mosque, Raajje TV reported. The council called an emergency meeting and suspended the project. But Vice President Mohamed Ali faced intense questioning from the public as protesters gathered outside the council. He denied attempting to cover up aspects of Zakiyya's case and failing to preserve the crime scene.

Mohamed Ali declared that he would not believe Zakiyya died by suicide unless proven otherwise. During the confrontation, Council President Ridhwan Mohamed echoed the stance. The council members insisted they were doing everything within their power but faced limited cooperation from ministries and other institutions. But the public protested the council's lack of communication regarding the case.

Key details provided by Chief Inspector Mohamed Samih at a police press briefing on December 3:

Last seen alive at 8:40am on September 10, performing normal morning tasks including taking out garbage (confirmed from CCTV footage and eyewitness testimony)

Her stepchild and grandchild came home for breakfast between 9:19am to 9:43am but didn’t see her.

Zakiyya’s body discovered inside storeroom by garbage collectors at 9:53am

Blood found on both a knife near the body and her clothes

Police notified at 10:00am

Time of death officially declared at health center at 10:25am

Police investigation team from Malé arrived in Holhudhoo in the evening

Body examined by pathologist in Malé

Fve deep wounds and one shallow wound on her neck (three deep wounds on left side and two deep wounds on right side)

Hesitation marks found on the body consistent with self-inflicted wounds

A bruise on chest was deemed by pathologist to not be consistent with assault

No signs of struggle in the storage room

No fingerprints found on the knife

No other injuries on the body

No evidence of injuries typically associated with assault

Medical examination suggested no involvement of another person

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Watchdogs probe police handling of Zakiyya death

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