Machete wielding group arrested for attempting assault

A group of individuals who attempted to commit assault using machetes and other sharp objects were apprehended on Saturday, and produced at the Criminal Court for remand.

The remand orders, all issued severally, confirms authorities had arrested a total of four suspects in relation to two different incidents.

Authorities arrested two local men, Ahmed Maniu (MA. Rihivilla) and Mohamed Ayan (Fandunuvaage, GDh. Gadhdhoo) in one of these incidents. Maniu was remanded for 16 days while Ayan was remanded for five days.

The court order revealed that though no weapons were discovered from Ayan’s possession, he was wearing a mask and helmet at the time of his arrest. Authorities discovered Maldivian machetes and a screwdriver from the other two individuals on the same site – as confirmed by the information officer.

The two individuals possessing weapons, have criminal priors according to police.

The screwdriver was discovered from Maniu, while the two machetes discovered in the incidents had been given to the minor involved in the incident.

The police information officer further confirmed the involvement of other suspects in the case.

In the second such incident, authorities arrested two local men; Mulham Mohamed Riyas, 18, Male’ City and Vikash Ahmed, 26, GA. Vilingili. Both men are suspected of conspiracy to commit gang assault. The Criminal Court ordered a five-day remand on both men.

The court orders on both suspects also identified presence of sufficient evidence against them, and noted the two have been involved in multiple assaults recently. Additionally, Criminal Court in its orders stated the two were roaming the streets with weapons, which could cause injuries and intimidation to anyone in the community.

Though the court orders notified both Mulham and Vikash carried sharp objects, the description of these items have not been specified.

While gang-related and other assaults have been increasing in Male’ City, several of these involve youths and minors.