In the High Court, a police officer from the D7a unit stated that he did not alter the interior of a car connected to the murder of an ehailing driver in 2023. During re-examination by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohammad Fakhrurrazi Ahmad, prosecution witness Insp Muhammad Amir Aiman Abu, 33, claimed that he only followed instructions to seize the car and transfer it to the Tawau district police headquarters.
He further indicated that the car was towed without anyone entering it. When questioned by Mohammad Fakhrurrazi, the witness denied allegations of tampering with evidence at the crime scene, stating that he handed over the items found in the car to the investigating officer.
Following this, Mohammad Fakhrurrazi suggested that it was impossible for no one to enter the car as the handbrake needed to be released to tow the vehicle. However, Muhammad Amir Aiman disagreed, stating that he was unsure if the handbrake was working at the time. He was testifying in the ongoing trial of the murder case involving eight accused, including former Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) chief of staff (intelligence) Datuk Mat Zaki Md Zain, six police officers, and a civilian.
These individuals are charged with committing the murder in an oil palm plantation near Jalan Anjur Juara, Jalan Apas Baru 5, Tawau. The charges under Section 302 of the Penal Code carry the death penalty if convicted. Mat Zaki, 59, is also facing two charges of abetting the murder of Nurman under Section 109 of the Penal Code.
Mohammad Fakhrurrazi also questioned the witness’s alleged negligence in not caring about what happened to the car and only focusing on transferring it to the police headquarters. Muhammad Amir Aiman refuted these claims, stating that he did not tamper with any evidence or items found in the vehicle.
Previously, the victim’s body was found in some bushes next to the vehicle in question. The trial before Judge Duncan Sikodol is set to continue on Jan 22. – Bernama
