Police: Thulusdhoo suspect confessed the killing was an act of vengeance

Mohamed Niyaz, the 34-year-old man arrested for the murder of Ali Shiham in Thulusdhoo on 31 July, has confessed to the investigation that the killing was an act of vengeance, Police have said.

Speaking at a press briefing at Iskandar Building today, Chief Inspector of Police Abdulla Shatheeh said that the investigation has revealed the victim had earlier accused Mohamed Niyaz of stealing from a construction site under the victim's supervision in Thulusdhoo. He also said that Mohamed Niyaz had confessed to the investigation that the killing of Ali Shiham was an act of retribution, as a result of the accusation.

Ali Shiham was stabbed near the beach in front of his house around 7:00 p.m. on 31 July. He soon died from the injuries at Thulusdhoo health centre. Mohamed Niyaz, 34, was taken into custody on the night of the murder after he voluntarily approached the police and confessed to the killing.

Chief Inspector Shatheeh said at the press briefing today that police have collected enough evidence for prosecution. Although the case was forwarded to the Prosecutor General's Office on Sunday, the decision to prosecute the suspect lies with the Prosecutor General.