N. Manadhoo woman's murder: public urged to share any details that could be useful in the investigation

The public has been urged to share any details that could assist the investigation into the death of a woman in Manadhoo island of Noonu atoll.

Naeema Moosa, 62 years of age and native to the island was found dead inside her room after sundown on Friday. Her body was discovered by officers who broke down the door to her room.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) on Saturday appealed on the public to reach out to their Serious and Organized Crime Department if any information is attained regarding Naeema’s death.

The elderly woman’s body was reportedly found with injuries.

Naeema’s family filed a report at the police station after not having heard from her for two days, on April 7. She is to have been living alone in the house which is currently under police watch.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, President of the Manadhoo Island Council, Abdul Rahman Sabeeh revealed that a team of police officers who arrived in the island from capital Malé City is currently active. Since then, MPS has revealed that special teams from their Serious and Organized Crime Department, forensics and a pathologist are active on the island.

The public has been urged to come forth with any information that could be useful in the investigation at a time the police institution has declared that there were suspicions and red flags surrounding the woman’s death, which has been ruled as a homicide.

After the forensic pathologist ruled out the need for an autopsy examination after collecting samples from the victim’s body, Naeem’s body was handed over to her family and buried at 5:20pm on Saturday.

The police have also been monitoring those traveling to and from the island, declaring that no one will be allowed to exit or enter the island without authorization.

The woman was employed by the island council as a sweeper, to clean the island and she is to have been absent for work for the past two days. According to the island council, Naeema was a good worker and had excellent attendance and performance records.

The council has since made a public announcement to the island community, instructing them to stay inside and refrain from trying to leave the island without acquiring pre-authorization from the relevant authorities. This comes following the police institution’s decision to closely monitor the island as investigations are being conducted into the murder.

The murder has taken the country by storm, especially as the island has never reported such a heinous crime.