Senior Student Threatened To Step On Zara S Head Inquest Told

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A witness says the outburst was loud enough to be heard throughout the dormitory.
Zara Qairina Mahathir was questioned about a missing purse by two senior students, who were later joined by three others, the inquest into her death was told on Friday. (Facebook pic)KOTA KINABALU: The fourth child witness in the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir told the coroner’s court today a senior student had shouted at the teenager just hours before she was found unconscious at her school’s hostel
According to lawyer Shahlan Jufri, who represents Zara’s mother, Noraidah Lamat, the witness testified that the senior said “Aku injak la kepala ko ni Zara” (“I’ll step on your head, Zara”).
The witness said the outburst was loud enough to be heard throughout the dormitory.
The incident occurred at about 10pm, the night before Zara was found unconscious at the school hostel at 4am on July 16.
Sharing details of the testimony after today’s proceedings, Shahlan said the witness stated that she was lying on her bed reading a novel when Zara entered the room to meet two senior students.
“They questioned her about a missing purse. Shortly after, three more senior students came in. Zara was seated cross-legged on the floor, facing one of the seniors, who was also seated on the floor,” he said.
The witness told the court that although she was nearby, she could not hear their conversation, but clearly heard one of the seniors yell the threat at Zara.
“She said that about 20 minutes later, Zara returned to her room and the other students also went back to theirs,” Shahlan said.
The witness said she did not know whether Zara had any disagreements with other students. She also noted that there was heavy rain and strong winds that night.
Yesterday, the court extended the ban on media coverage of the proceedings while child witnesses continue to testify.
Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan made the ruling after Sabah prosecution director and inquest officer Nahra Dollah informed the court that the Attorney-General’s Chambers had directed that the media be excluded until all child witnesses complete their evidence.
However, Amir Shah clarified that information could still be shared by counsel after each session.
Zara, 14, was found unconscious near a drain at her Papar school hostel at about 4am on July 16. She was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where she died the following day, and was buried the same day in Sipitang.
On Aug 8, the AGC ordered her remains to be exhumed for a post-mortem, before announcing an inquest into her death on Aug 13.
The inquest continues on Monday. - FMT

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