New Evidence Emerges in Trial of E-Hailing Driver's Murder: Pink Children's Shoes Found in Car

In a recent development in the trial of the murder of e-hailing driver Nurman Bakaratu, a pair of pink children’s shoes was discovered in a white Myvi car examined by a police officer. Insp Saizul Farhan Mahali, a crime scene investigation officer at the Sabah Contingent Police Headquarters, testified in the High Court today that the shoes were found under the rear passenger seat on the left side of the vehicle. Along with the shoes, sunglasses and a gray towel were also found in the car.

The examination of the vehicle took place after ASP Yusman Shahri Marinsah, the investigating officer, informed Saizul Farhan about the discovery of Nurman's body at Jalan Anjur Juara, Jalan Apas Batu 5, Tawau. Tawau District Police chief ACP Jasmin Hussin, who was the eighth prosecution witness, had earlier testified that he saw Nurman's body lying on the left side of the white Myvi car at the scene, an oil palm plantation, on January 16, 2023.

Saizul Farhan and his team left for the Tawau District Police Headquarters on January 17, 2023, and upon arrival, they found the white Myvi with registration number SAA7841W in the parking lot, which had been towed from the crime scene. The body was taken to Tawau Hospital, and the car was secured with police barrier tape.

The accused in the case, including former Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) intelligence chief Datuk Mat Zaki Md Zain, six policemen, and a civilian, are facing charges under Section 302 of the Penal Code read together with Section 34, which carries the death penalty if convicted. Mat Zaki, in particular, is facing two charges of conspiring to kill Nurman.

During his examination-in-chief, Saizul Farhan mentioned that he conducted blood and DNA swabs on various parts of the car, including the door handle inside the driver’s side, the front passenger seat, the steering wheel, gearshift, and handbrake handle. He also collected additional items during a subsequent examination of the car on January 25, 2023, and handed them over to the investigating officer.

The trial will continue tomorrow before Judge Datuk Duncan Sikodol.

This case has garnered significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the involvement of high-ranking officials. The discovery of the pink children’s shoes and other items in the car adds a new dimension to the investigation, raising questions about their relevance to the murder.

The prosecution's case appears to be building a strong narrative against the accused, presenting evidence that links them to the crime scene and the victim. The meticulous collection of forensic evidence by Saizul Farhan underscores the thoroughness of the investigation and the commitment of law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.

As the trial progresses, all eyes will be on the courtroom to see how the evidence unfolds and how the defense responds to the prosecution's case. The outcome of this trial will not only deliver justice for Nurman Bakaratu and his family but also serve as a reminder of the importance of a fair and thorough legal process in upholding the rule of law.

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