Police investigate alleged murder of a woman on N. Manadhoo

A 62-year-old woman who was reported missing in Noonu atoll Manadhoo, was found dead in her home, allegedly with several stab wounds on her body.

Naeema Moosa, who lived alone in a house on the island, was reported missing on Friday evening by her family.

Her body was found inside her home after the police broke down the front door and entered her house. She was already dead when the police discovered her on Friday night.

An individual from the island, on the condition of anonymity, said that she was found in a pool of her own blood, with several stab wounds on her body and a laceration to her neck.

"She wasn't immediately taken to the hospital. A doctor came to examine the body," they said.

Maradhoo Island Council's President, Abdul Rahman Sabeeh, said on Saturday morning that her body has now been handed over to her family and that funeral preparations are underway.

Immediately after the body was discovered, the Island Council informed all the residents via the Manadhoo Community Viber group that they must seek permission from the police before departing the island or if anyone wishes to visit the island while the investigation is ongoing. Vessels leaving the island for various purposes are also required to obtain a permit.

A team from the police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit also arrived on the island late Friday night from Malé to investigate the matter.

Neither the council nor the police have divulged any further information regarding the alleged murder.

The sources from the island that Mihaaru news spoke to said that the locals are baffled as to what the motive behind her brutal killing might be. They said that Naeema lived a normal life and that they did not believe there could be a financial motive behind the crime.

"There are no gangs or drug [issues] on the island either."

However, the source revealed that there were rumours that Naeema practised "black magic" and that her death may be linked to this, though these rumours remain unsubstantiated.

Naeema worked as an attendant at the council office on the island, which has a population of about 1000 people. She has three children, of whom only one lives on the island.