24-7-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Three Malaysian police officers have been charged with murder at the Langkawi magistrates’ court, stemming from the death of a man in police custody earlier this year. The case has sent ripples through the law enforcement community and raised serious questions about police conduct and accountability.
The accused officers, identified as Assistant Superintendent Azhar Amir and corporals Shahril Firdaus Solleh and Shaharri Shah Mat Saad, stand accused of causing the death of 32-year-old Hafiz Salleh. The alleged incident occurred on 29th January between 6pm and 8pm at the narcotics criminal investigation division of the Langkawi police headquarters, where all three officers were stationed.
The charges, framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, carry the potential of a death sentence if the accused are found guilty. During the court proceedings, Magistrate Nurul Natasha Rizal presided over the case, but no plea was recorded from the officers after the charges were read out.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Khairul Anuar Abd Halim led the prosecution, while the accused appeared in court without legal representation. In a significant development, the court accepted the prosecution’s application to deny bail to all three officers, citing the gravity of the charges. The next hearing for the case has been scheduled for 20th October.
This case first came to public attention following the circulation of a viral video clip depicting Hafiz’s arrest at a petrol station in Ayer Hangat. The footage, which showed what appeared to be the use of excessive force during the arrest, sparked widespread concern and calls for investigation.
Tragically, Hafiz succumbed to his injuries on 1st February, after spending two days in critical condition at Hospital Sultanah Maliha. His death in police custody has reignited debates about police brutality and the need for greater oversight in law enforcement practices.
