A somber incident unfolded in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, as a 17-year-old student lost his life in an alleged road rage incident involving an off-duty police officer.
Reports suggest that the officer intentionally crashed his car into the teen’s motorcycle out of anger, leading to the tragic outcome.
He has since been charged with murder.
The Incident
The victim, identified as Muhammad Zaharif Affendi Muhd Zamrie, was reportedly on his way from school to the mosque for prayers on Friday, December 15th, when the incident occurred. Earlier, he had reportedly irked the off-duty police officer by revving his motorcycle loudly outside Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Jati in Ipoh, according to Sinar Harian.
Enraged by the noise, the 44-year-old officer allegedly followed Zaharif for nearly 1 km in his white Perodua Ativa before intentionally crashing into the teenager’s motorcycle from behind. The impact caused Zaharif to fall, and the moving car dragged him for nearly five meters.
Response and Tragic Outcome
Footage circulating online depicted the aftermath of the accident, with members of the public, including a nurse identified as Zaharif’s sister, rushing to offer assistance. Despite immediate medical attention and attempts at cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), Zaharif succumbed to his injuries at the scene, according to Malay Mail.
Zaharif’s father, visibly distraught, collapsed upon seeing his son. Witnesses at the scene reported that the alleged perpetrator, identified as a 44-year-old Deputy Superintendent (DSP) at the Kedah Contingent Police Headquarters, returned briefly but left as soon as he realized people had gathered.
Mangsa meninggal.
— Pelabur Bijak 🇲🇾 🇵🇸 (@Pelabur_Bijak) December 15, 2023
Dikatakan dilanggar oleh polis
(suami cikgu) Ativa Putih.
Langgar sebab tak puas hati press press motor buat bising.
Siap u turn semata-mata nak langgar budak tu (pandu dengan laju)
Baju merah adalah bapa mangsa.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un
Kalau… https://t.co/QbGzzF9UfL pic.twitter.com/ByreU1tiUz
— Pelabur Bijak 🇲🇾 🇵🇸 (@Pelabur_Bijak) December 15, 2023
Investigation and Witnesses
The DSP was then kept in remand until Monday, December 18th, as authorities investigated the incident. At least seven witnesses came forward to assist with the investigation, according to Astro Awani.
He was subsequently charged on 18 December with the murder of the student, and if found guilty, he faces the possibility of either the death penalty, or a jail term of between 30 to 40 years and at least 12 strokes of the cane.
He was also not offered any bail and his court hearing has been set for 7 February next year.
Family’s Perspective
In an interview, Zaharif’s sister, Ms. Nur Zawanie, expressed her bewilderment at the officer’s actions. She revealed that the DSP’s wife is a teacher at her brother’s school, and her parents run a food stall nearby, frequented by teachers. Ms. Zawanie questioned why, if there were issues with her brother, the teachers didn’t approach her parents directly. She emphasized the devastating impact on her family, lamenting the loss of a 17-year-old who hadn’t yet reached maturity.
Seeking Justice
Despite an apology from the DSP’s wife, Ms. Zawanie hopes for a just resolution to the case, even though it involves a police officer. The tragic incident has sparked public outrage, shining a light on the need for accountability and justice, regardless of the perpetrator’s profession.