Senior Cop Jailed 7 Years Over Student’s Death In Police Chase
The senior police officer reportedly pursued the SPM student after he revved his motorcycle engine loudly.
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A senior police officer has been sentenced to seven years and six months in prison for causing the death of 17-year-old student Muhammad Zaharif Affendi Muhd Zamrie in December 2023
In proceedings yesterday, 28 October, Mohd Nazri Abdul Razak, a 47-year-old policeman with the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), pleaded guilty to an amended charge under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code, which deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, reported the New Straits Times.
The original murder charge under Section 302 was amended after the Ipoh High Court found a prima facie case of causing death without intent at the end of the prosecution's case.
The fatal incident happened along Jalan Taman Jati near SMK Jati in Ipoh on 15 December 2023, between 11.55am and 12.32pm.
According to Sinar Daily, the incident began when Nazri allegedly heard Zaharif revving his motorcycle engine loudly. This prompted him to pursue the teenager, who accelerated away.
The chase continued for almost a kilometre before Nazri's Perodua Ativa collided with Zaharif's motorcycle, throwing him off. Reports at the time said he was dragged for almost 5m.
Senior police officer Mohd Nazri Abdul Razak (right), and victim Muhammad Zaharif Affendi Muhd Zamrie (right).
Image via Sinar HarianNazri reportedly returned to check on the victim, but left after seeing a crowd gathering at the scene
He lodged a police report following the incident.
Zaharif's sister, Nur Zawani, later said the officer's wife had approached the family and apologised. She said the woman described her husband as having a short temper and being sensitive to loud motorcycle noises.
Then Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain assured the public that the investigation would be fair, transparent, and thorough.
A few days after the incident, then Attorney-General Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh confirmed that Nazri would be charged with murder at the Ipoh Magistrate's Court.
During mitigation at the sentencing hearing yesterday, Nazri's lawyer, Datuk M Athimulan, said his client was deeply remorseful and ready to serve whatever lawful sentence the court deemed appropriate, reported Bernama.
"He has lost his career, reputation, public standing and peace of mind," Athimulan said.
The lawyer added that Nazri had dedicated his working life to the police force, rising to the rank of DSP to serve the King, the rakyat and the country.
In his victim impact statement, Zaharif's father, Muhd Zamrie Zainal Abidin, said his son was only 17 and had a bright future ahead of him, with opportunities to pursue his ambitions, build a career, and share his life with his family.
He added that the loss had left a lasting impact on the family, taking away part of their happiness and hope.
The court subsequently sentenced Nazri to seven years and six months in prison and ordered him to pay RM50,000 in compensation to Zaharif's father. Failure to pay the compensation would result in an additional year of imprisonment.
