Closed door testimony begins as court hears protected witnesses in Naeema Moosa’s murder trial

The prosecution is preparing to take closed‑door testimony from protected witnesses in the murder case of 62‑year‑old Naeema Moosa, who was found killed in N. Manadhoo.

Naeema was discovered dead inside her home on April 7, 2023, after residents searching for her alerted police. Three men have been charged in connection with her murder:

• Hassan Fawaz, 21

• Abdul Wahid Rifas, 21

• Ahzam Abdul Shukoor, 23

Of the three, Fawaz has been released from custody on medical grounds and is currently under strict house arrest. The other two remain in custody pending trial.

The evidentiary stage of the trial is now underway, with a closed hearing scheduled at the Criminal Court for Monday at 9:00am to take testimony from protected witnesses.

The prosecution has previously submitted evidence alleging that Naeema was killed on suspicion of practising sorcery, and that rumours of witchcraft were widely believed among some residents of Manadhoo.

Two of the three defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Police found Naeema inside her home with deep stab wounds. According to the state, one suspect confessed to stabbing her, while another stood guard and the third waited outside in a vehicle.