A female bank executive was found dead at her home in Tanjung Bendahara, Alor Setar, in an alleged murder yesterday morning (Feb 2).
The victim, identified as 52-year-old Zahrullail Basir, was discovered at 8.45am with three stab wounds to her abdomen, as well as other injuries and bruises, reported Kosmo!.
Kota Setar District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Syed Basri Syed Ali said several of the victim’s belongings, including a handbag containing jewellery, cash and a mobile phone, had gone missing.
Wedding was to be held on Feb 13
Speaking to NST about the tragedy, Norsiah Yahya, Zahrullail’s stepmother, said the latter was supposed to remarry next Friday and had been busy with preparations.
She had already made preparations to remarry on Feb 13, and the wedding was to be held the next day together with her younger sister’s engagement.
“That’s why I was shocked to learn she was killed. I am very sad because she was such a good daughter,” she said.
Norsiah added that Zaharullail had six children aged between eight and 28, and that three of them were at home during the murder.
“What I know is that on that morning, her eldest child returned home around 4am. At that time, her fourth child opened the door before going back to their room to continue sleeping.
“When they woke up, they discovered that their mother had died and immediately contacted the police.”
Suspect arrested
Meanwhile, police have nabbed a 28-year-old suspect in relation to the murder, less than 24 hours after Zahrullail’s body was found.
He was arrested at 8.34pm yesterday while travelling on a tour bus at Km441.5 of the North-South Expressway (southbound) heading toward Selangor.
Although the suspect had a criminal record, he tested negative for drugs and was brought to the Alor Star magistrate’s court, where a seven-day remand order was granted effective until Feb 9.
Police are probing the incident under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years and caning upon conviction.
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