Cops record statements from 60 witnesses on Sabah student's fatal fall

Police have recorded statements from about 60 witnesses in connection with the investigation into the death of religious school student Zara Qairina Mahathir, 13, on July 17.

Sabah police commissioner Jauteh Dikun said the witnesses included students, parents, and school officials.

He said police are also assisted by counselling experts to help traumatised students give clear statements about the incident.

"We have taken this investigation to Bukit Aman for observation and final review before referring it to the Attorney-General's Chambers. We have left it to Bukit Aman, being a higher authority, to provide further views regarding the case.

"We do not rule out the possibility of the allegation (that Zara was a victim) of bullying, but the investigation is still ongoing," Jauteh (above) said after attending the Sabah's celebration of 2025 Warriors' Day at the Sabah police contingent headquarters today.

Sabah governor Musa Aman launched the function, with Chief Minister Hajiji Noor in attendance.

Zara was confirmed dead (taken off life support as doctors diagnosed no brain function) at the Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu at 11am on July 17, a day after she allegedly fell from the third floor and lay unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory at 4 am on July 16.

Jauteh said the police investigation is focused on two main elements: the cause of death and the victim's surrounding environment.

He said the public demands a transparent and thorough investigation into the case; hence, police are taking some time to complete the investigation in an orderly and professional manner.

On July 18, he said, Sabah police had sent a special team to investigate at the school.

“Some of the witnesses are also students of the school. If we investigate in an unprofessional or irregular manner, this will certainly add to their trauma over the situation,” he said.

- Bernama

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