Officer facing manslaughter charge surrenders in Malindi
Margaret Njeri, who died at Pandya Memorial Hospital in Mombasa following head injuries inflicted by a police officer who was trying to stop a boda boda she was riding on. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mohamed Salim turns himself in, accompanied by his lawyer who says his client was not in hiding.
- Officer expected in court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The police officer believed to have caused the death of a young woman in Mpeketoni on Thursday presented himself at Malindi Police Station, accompanied by his lawyer.
Mohamed Salim, a constable, turned himself in at the office of the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at 3:45pm.
Speaking to journalists outside the station, James Mouko, the officer's lawyer, said that contrary to media reports that his client was on the run, he was actually unwell.
“The worst charge that might face my client is manslaughter because he did not intend to kill, but let the police carry out their investigations before we can speculate,” he said.
The officer was being sought after the death of 22-year-old Margaret Njeri, whom he allegedly hit with his gun while she was on a boda boda in an attempt to force the motorcycle rider, his actual target, to stop.
She was admitted in critical condition at Pandya Hospital, where she died on February 28.
A team of detectives, including officers from the National Intelligence Service (NIS), were involved in the manhunt.
A senior prosecution counsel in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Lamu County, Japheth Isaboke, told the Nation the DPP’s office had recommended the policeman be prosecuted and charged with manslaughter.
BEING QUESTIONED
At the time of writing, Mr Salim was still at the DCI office being questioned by Malindi Sub-County Criminal Investigation Officer Paul Wachira.
Mr Wachira had in the morning told the Nation that his officers were closing in on Mr Salim and had visited his home in Malindi and interviewed family members.
He said the officer had not fled and gone into hiding, as had been reported, but was on leave.
The suspect is expected to be picked up by DCI officers from Lamu County who had been stationed in Malindi during the search.
He is expected in court as soon as investigations are concluded.
