Senior police officer charged with Zaharif’s murder under strict control at court

IPOH - The murder charge proceedings against the senior police officer involved in the death of a student at the Ipoh Magistrate's Court on Monday were closely monitored by the police.

At least five members of the state's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) wearing balaclavas and dressed in dark clothing escorted the accused into the courtroom.

The accused, Mohd Nazri Abdul Razak, 44, who holds the rank of deputy superintendent and attached to the Kedah Contingent Police Headquarters, arrived at about 9am wearing a white T-shirt and black shorts but he was not taken via the usual route as other accused.

The accused's head and face were also covered with a piece of black cloth while his hands were handcuffed.

Among the strict control seen include policemen seen filling up space which blocked the paths used by photographers to record visuals of the accused as they were led to court, which made it difficult for media personnel to record the movements of the accused.

In the proceedings that lasted for five minutes, the accused appeared calm when the charges were read before Magistrate S Punitha.

However, the victim's brother Zarul Fitri Muhd ​​Zamrie, 29, who attended the proceedings on behalf of the family could not hold his sadness and were seen repeatedly wiping away tears.

When met by Sinar, Zarul Fitri refused to comment further on the advice of his lawyer but nodded when he could see for himself the face of the accused who was allegedly involved in the incident that claimed the life of his younger brother.

As soon as the proceedings were over, the accused was taken out of the court area accompanied by five police vehicles with heavily tinted mirrors.

The court grounds were flooded with the presence of relatives and friends of the victims who attended as a sign of solidarity towards the family and demanded transparency of the investigation into the case.

More than 30 journalists and photographers were also at the court’s compound as early as 7.30am.

Based on the charges, the Kedah CID Organised Crime Branch (D9) officer was charged with murder for causing the death of Muhammad Zaharif Affendi Muhd ​​Zamrie, 17.

The offence was allegedly committed at Jalan Taman Jati 1, near Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Jati, Ipoh between 12.05 and 12.40 noon on Dec, 15 2023.

The charge was made under Section 302 of the Penal Code which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of up to 40 years and at least 12 lashes, if convicted.

However, no confession was recorded from the accused after the charges were read before Magistrate S Punitha.

Confessions were not recorded as murder cases were under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

The case was mentioned again on Feb 7, 2024 pending related reports including chemical reports.