Cops wrap up Zara death probe, to hand over findings to AGC

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed that police have completed their investigation into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, with the investigation paper to be handed to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) by next week.

Saifuddin said statements were recorded from around 60 witnesses over the death of the Form One student from SMK Agama Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar, Sabah.

“The police investigation is complete. We called nearly 60 witnesses, and I believe the police will submit the findings to the AGC by next week at the latest for further action.

“Remember, the role of the police is to investigate… to call witnesses to help complete the investigation, to establish key elements - was there a body, what was the motive, was there a weapon. That is the scope of police investigations.

“Whether the AGC is satisfied or otherwise (with the findings), that is up to them,” he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Maritime Basic Training graduation ceremony in Kuantan, Pahang.

Saifuddin was responding to a question on the latest developments in the case involving Zara, who was found with severe injuries at her school dormitory at around 3am on July 16.

Initial reports stated she had fallen from the third floor of the building. She died the following day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital I in Kota Kinabalu.

Police have not ruled out the possibility of bullying and have referred the case to Bukit Aman for a more comprehensive analysis.

Yesterday, Zara’s mother, Noraidah Lamat, 45, was reported as saying she had appointed two lawyers to begin the process of exhuming her daughter’s grave for a post-mortem.

She said the burial took place on the night of July 17 without any autopsy being carried out, as no one had suggested it at the time.

Noraidah said she hoped the move would help answer lingering questions about the actual cause of her daughter’s death.

Commenting on her decision, Saifuddin said it was within her rights under the law.

“The process undertaken by Zara’s mother is allowed by law,” he said.

“I can confirm that the investigation into this case has been completed.”

Previously, Sabah police commissioner Jauteh Dikun said statements had been recorded from 60 individuals, including three persons referred to as “Kak Wana”, “Kak Dedeng”, and “Tomboi” - names mentioned in connection with the case.

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