Mafaz, acquitted in Nadheem’s murder, re-arrested

One of the men acquitted in the 2017 murder of Nadheem Abdul Raheem (Nadey), has been re-arrested for assault.

Nadheem, 24, HA. Thakandhoo, was stabbed while sitting inside the Terminal Café in Male’ City on July 27, 2017. He died from his injuries two days later, on July 29, 2017.

Four people were charged in connection to the murder. They are:

Mohamed Mafaz Hussain Saleem, G. Shaaraaz, K. Male’

• Ali Nifaz, Vidhaathari, L. Gan
• Hussain Shamin, Samantha, R. Innamaadhoo
• Mohamed Karam Suhail, Havaas, GA. Gemanafushi

Mafaz was charged with murder with intent using a sharp-edged weapon, while the others were charged as accessories.

Mafaz, who has a long history of involvement in gang-related crimes, had been arrested while on the run.

However, all four were acquitted by the Criminal Court after a trial that lasted six years, on November 14, 2022.

Mafaz, along with two other suspects, were arrested by the police from Male’ City on Friday night, after traffic collision resulted in a fight.

They are accused of threatening to kill the police officers who went to break up the fight, assaulting one of the officers, and damaging property.

The court remanded all three in custody of the police for seven days.

Mafaz had also issued a death threat against a police officer while in jail following Nadheem’s murder. He was convicted of the charge in 2021 and sentenced to 18 months in prison.

The state has appealed Mafaz and the other three suspects’ acquittal in Nadheem’s murder with the High Court.