Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin’s grandparents were arrested as the murder investigation throws yet another twist.
The boy’s grandfather and grandmother were arrested around 2.30pm on Wednesday (June 12).
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed the arrest.
“Yes. Both were arrested this afternoon,” he said when contacted.
Earlier, the Petaling Jaya Magistrates’ Court today recorded the objection raised by the lawyer representing Zayn Rayyan’s mother against the police’s request to obtain her guilty plea in the investigation of his murder case.
Lawyer Fahmi Abd Moin, representing the child’s father, said the objection to the police’s request under Section 26(1) of the Evidence Act 1950 was recorded by Magistrate Zhafran Rahim Hamzah.
“The application should have been made under Section 115 of the Criminal Procedure Code, but that provision has been repealed. The request made under Section 26(1) of the Evidence Act 1950 is irrelevant for taking any guilty plea before the magistrate.
“There is no specific provision for making such a request, and it is highly prejudicial to the woman concerned,” he told reporters outside the court complex.
Queried as to whether the couple will be charged tomorrow, Fahmi said it will be known then.
He said the second remand period for the couple will end on Thursday and is unlikely to be extended as they have reached the 13-day remand period limit.
“Tomorrow (June 13) is the last day of remand, the 13th day. Tomorrow is the results, I believe that the investigation papers have reached the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
“They will review the papers and see if they will be released on bail or be charged. We will wait. Justice will be upheld for the late Zayn Rayyan and his parents,” he said.
Meanwhile, lawyer Mahmud Jumaat, representing the child’s mother, stated that during the closed-door proceedings, his client did not make any plea but instead provided testimony to the magistrate.
“Even if a guilty plea is obtained during the investigation, it is not admissible during the trial unless it is recorded before a magistrate,” the lawyer added.
On December 6 last year, the body of 6-year-old autistic boy Zayn Rayyan was found in a stream near his home at Idaman Damansara Damai Apartments here after he was reported missing a day earlier.
His parents were arrested on May 31 around Puncak Alam, Selangor.
Earlier reports:
June 4, Zayn Rayyan’s grandfather appoints new lawyer for remanded parents
June 1, Murdered autistic boy Zayn Rayyan’s parents arrested