Zara Qairina case: Most witnesses quizzed are hostel mates
So far, police have taken statements from 195 people, including the school principal, teachers, wardens, general staff, and medical officers who examined Zara after she was found injured within the school compound in the early hours of July 16.
Sources said some of them will be called as witnesses in the proceedings today and during the inquest, which has been set for next month to determine the cause of the Form One student's death.
The source said investigators ensured statements were recorded from all individuals connected to Zara for a complete and thorough probe.
"This is to ensure the investigation report is supported by detailed statements from all parties closely linked to Zara," the source said.
The source also said the same witnesses will be summoned during the inquest proceedings after the Coroner's Court fixed several dates next month.
"Family members of the deceased have also given their statements and will be called as witnesses.
Meanwhile, Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar said statements had been taken from a wide range of individuals, including school staff, students, chemists, pathologists, police officers and others.
"The case will proceed, and the charge under Section 507C(1) was brought after a careful review of all aspects of the evidence," he told Berita Harian.
Yesterday, the Kota Kinabalu Coroner's Court fixed Sept 3–4, Sept 8–12, Sept 17–19, and Sept 22–30 for the inquest proceedings.
The inquest will determine whether there were elements of foul play in the teenager's death.
The proceedings will be led by deputy public prosecutor Mohd Fairus Johari from the Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) in Putrajaya, assisted by three DPPs from the Sabah AGC, namely, Dana Arabi Wazani, Afiq Agoes and Dacia Jane Romanus.
During the case mention, Fairus told the Coroner's Court that 195 witnesses had been identified for the inquest.
However, he said the final number would be reviewed, and an updated list would be submitted before the proceedings begin on Sept 3.
Five teenagers are set to face charges at the Kota Kinabalu Court for Children related to the bullying of Zara.
Zara, a SMKA Tun Mustapha student, was found unconscious at her school dormitory in Papar on July 16 and was pronounced dead the following day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Her mother subsequently called for her daughter's body to be exhumed for a post-mortem, citing suspicions about the events that preceded Zara's death.
Last week, federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar confirmed that there were elements of bullying in Zara's case.
Her death has sparked widespread calls for justice from the public, leaders, activists and non-governmental organisations.
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New Straits Times
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The Sun
7 hours ago
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