DSP MOHD NAZRI'S DEFENCE CASE TO BE HEARD ON MARCH 26, 27

IPOH, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- The High Court today set March 26 and 27 to hear the defence's arguments in the case of senior police officer DSP Mohd Nazri Abdul Razak, who is charged with the killing of 17-year-old Muhammad Zaharif Affendi Muhd Zamrie, three years ago.

Judge Datuk Bhupindar Singh Gucharan Singh Preet scheduled the hearing after the prosecution presented its case, outlining four key elements of the charge, including an assertion that the accused struck the victim at high speed and failed to take any evasive action.

In his oral submission, deputy public prosecutor Afzainizam Abdul Aziz contended that pursuing and ramming the victim without braking in a school zone showed the accused had acted with the knowledge that his conduct was likely to endanger life.

He further cited evidence from Perodua, stating that data from the accused's Perodua Ativa indicated it was travelling at 90.9 kilometres per hour. The vehicle's brake lights were not activated, and its tyres remained in a straight line throughout the incident.

“Accordingly, the prosecution submits it is evident that the accused acted in the knowledge that his actions were so dangerous as to be likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm,” he concluded.

Afzainizam further contended that the prosecution's case is that the accused, upon hearing a loud exhaust backfiring, drove out from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jati and proceeded towards the victim. This sequence showed that the accused was conscious that the school day was ending.

The court subsequently scheduled March 26 and 27 for the defence to present its case. Following these submissions, the judge will then rule on whether Mohd Nazri, 45, is to be acquitted or required to enter his defence.

The prosecution is led by Afzainizam, assisted by Nasrul Hadi Abdul Ghani. The accused is defended by a legal team comprising M Athimulan, Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid, and Aiman Hakim Kamaruzzaman.

Mohd Nazri is charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code with causing the death of Muhammad Zaharif Affendi near SMK Jati on Dec 15, 2023, between 11.55 am and 12.32 pm.

The offence is punishable with either a death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years, plus a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane if the death penalty is not imposed.

-- BERNAMA