MDP MP seeks 241 Committee inquiry into Zakiyya’s death

Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), a lawmaker from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has asked for the Parliament’s Security Services Committee (241 Committee) to conduct an inquiry into the death of a middle-aged woman from N. Holhudhoo who was found dead in her home in September last year with deep neck wounds.

Zakiyya Moosa, 50, was found dead on the floor inside the storeroom of her home New Life on the morning of September 10, 2024, with a knife beside her body. While the police have said they have found no evidence of foul play in the violent death, many in Holhudhoo believe she was killed, and have been holding rallies urging the police to speed up the investigation and provide closure to the grieving family.

Amid mounting pressure, Home Minister Ali Ihusan and Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau visited Holhudhoo on Tuesday. During a meeting with the island’s residents, Ihusan said that there was some merit to allegations of police mishandling of the case, including the decision not to conduct an autopsy.

In a letter addressed to Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla on Wednesday, Kudu expressed concern that the case remains unresolved. He noted that the residents of Holhudhoo continue to protest and appeal to state authorities for justice, and are deeply concerned about the failure to disclose the progress made in the investigation – especially after the police announced in January that the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was assisting in the investigation.

“…There’s great concern over the delay in uncovering the truth behind Zakiyya Moosa’s death and the risk of hindering the parties behind this from being brought to justice,” he wrote.

Kudu said that maintaining peace and security within the community and upholding the rule of law is the highest duty charged of police under Article 224 of the Constitution.

He said that given the seriousness of the case and the widespread of fear within the community of Holhudhoo, there is an urgent need for relevant authorities to give the case the attention it deserves and properly answer to the people.

Kudu stressed that the right to life, liberty and security is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution, urged authorities to ensure the safety and security of local communities.

“…The people of that island sleep at night in fear that a killer is loose among them,” he said.

Kudu said that such a situation is unacceptable, and that overlooking it could produce unimaginable consequences.

“I therefore ask you to look into this critical case through the Security Services Committee of the People’s Majlis, and provide a quick solution to the sorrow the people of N. Holhudhoo are currently experiencing,” he said.

In a press briefing in December, Head of Death and Homicide Investigation Unit, Chief Inspector of Police Mohamed Samih said that the forensic pathologist who examined Zakiyya’s body in Male’ ruled that she died from the wounds to her neck.

But he said the police found no evidence of foul play.

“I want to note that the investigative findings so far have not uncovered any evidence indicating that the wounds she sustained or that her death was the result of the actions of another individual or that it involves anyone else,” said Samih.

According to Samih, Zakiyya was found with multiple knife-wounds to her neck; three deep wounds in the right side, two deep wounds in the left, and a shallower one in the middle.

But he stressed that the investigation remains open.

Samih said that certain aspects of the investigation will take time, and that the police are also consulting with international experts in the case.

A special investigative team had been deployed to Holhudhoo from the capital on September 10, and her body was transported to Male’ for forensic analysis later that night. Her body was transported back to Holhudhoo and buried on September 12.

Many had questioned the reason why the police did not conduct an autopsy.

However, Samih told reporters that that the autopsy had not been necessary as the forensic pathologist had already established that Zakiyya had died of the wounds to her neck. He said that the autopsy would not have uncovered any new information.

However, Ihusan now admits that the decision amounts to negligence

Zakiyya’s body was discovered by street sweepers, who alerted the family and the police.

Many in Holhudhoo are unable to believe she could have killed herself in such a violent manner. The island community has repeatedly rallied against the delay in the police investigation.

Earlier this week, the Police Integrity Commission said that they are looking into allegations of police misconduct in the investigation into Zakiyaa’s death.

Zakiyya is survived by her husband, two sons and one grandchild.