PG Office Considering Charges Against Police Over Zakiyya Murder Investigation
Holhudhoo in Noonu Atoll, captured from above | Photo: MV+
The Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office is considering pursuing charges against several police officers over alleged negligence in the investigation of the death of Holhudhoo resident Zakiyya Moosa, who was found dead nearly 11 months ago.
PG Office spokesperson Ahmed Shafeeu told MV+ that the National Integrity Commission (NIC) had accused the police of failing to properly investigate the case. According to Shafeeu, seven officers have been implicated, and the matter is currently under review to determine whether to proceed with prosecution.
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Zakiyya, 50, was discovered dead on 10 September last year next to a storage facility adjoining the kitchen of her home. In its report sent to the PG Office last week, the NIC alleged that police failed to carry out official duties, hindered law and order, obstructed other public institutions, and misused the deceased.
While some members of Zakiyya’s family and island residents have alleged she was murdered, police maintain she died from self-inflicted injuries. The case has drawn criticism over the decision to bury Zakiyya’s body without conducting a traditional autopsy. Instead, a virtual autopsy was performed, which concluded that she died from self-inflicted wounds.
Last month, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with Zakiyya’s family and some residents of Holhudhoo, assuring them that the government would take all necessary steps to ensure justice in the case.
