Police officer in Mpeketoni murder case released on bond

A police officer charged with the murder of a young woman was on Thursday released on a Sh5 million bond with two sureties of a similar amount.

The officer, Salim Mohamed, is accused of throwing his firearm at 22-year-old Margaret Njeri while attempting to force the rider of the boda boda she was on to stop. She succumbed to her injuries in hospital shortly afterwards.

He will also be required to report to the Malindi Police Station twice a week.

Malindi resident judge Said Chitembwe directed the case be mentioned on April 27 to confirm whether the defence has been supplied with prosecution witness statements.

The accused allegedly carried out the crime on the night of January 17 this year at Sikomani area along Mpeketoni-Uziwa road in Lamu West Sub-County.

WENT MISSING

In his affidavit opposing the release of the accused on bond, police constable Oliver Nabonwe said between January 23 and February 8 this year the accused went missing.

Mr Nabonwe said on February 9 Mr Mohamed resurfaced and was ordered to report to Kizingitini Police Station to pave way for an investigation into the incident.

“CID officers from Lamu and Malindi have on several occasions been to the home of the accused in Malindi but have been unable to trace him,” said Mr Nabonwe.

The officer stated that Mr Mohamed did not voluntarily present himself at Malindi Police Station but it was as a result of pressure they exerted on him and his family.

On his part, Mr Mohamed said the affidavit of Mr Nabonwe did not raise serious issues and claimed it was public relations exercise to please the public and soothe interested parties.

Mr Mohamed in his affidavit further said he was ailing on the dates he is alleged to have been absent without leave and that his bosses were aware.

“I reported back to work on February 8 when I was served with notifications for disciplinary proceedings,” said Mr Mohamed.

The hearing dates for the case are June 3, 4 and 5.