Dubai: A suspect, currently being questioned for beating which led to death of a Kenyan woman, could face up to ten years in jail, a prosecutor told Gulf News this morning.
The Kenyan assault victim, Esther Wanjiru Mwikamba, died on Tuesday morning and the 24-year-old Emirati suspect, who remains in custody, would be charged with beating which led to death of the victim. The maximum punishment is ten years in jail, according to the prosecutor.
Esther succumbed to head injuries at 8am on Tuesday after battling for her life for 31 days at the intensive care unit of the Rashid Hospital, Gulf News learnt.
"We were informed about the victim's death earlier this morning. I have ordered that her body be moved to Dubai Police's Forensic Department for an autopsy to stand at the main and official causes of the death. We will still wait for the results of the autopsy and forensic reports," said the investigating prosecutor, who requested to remain unnamed.
"It's a tragic thing what happened. The suspect, A.A.G., remains in custody and he was not granted bail since the incident took place. He is currently being questioned over two charges; beating which led to death and sexually harassing the victim's friend," the prosecutor said.
Esther, a former salesclerk, was in a coma for one month after being brutally assaulted by a man in a parking lot in Dubai.
The news came as a shock to the family, especially since Hannah, Esther's mother, had suffered a minor stroke on Saturday upon learning that doctors could no longer save her.
Standing at the investigation's current outcome, the prosecutor told Gulf News: "When the case was first referred to Bur Dubai Prosecution, the suspect was primarily charged with assault that led to injury and sexual harassment. However the situation has developed following the girl's demise. The suspect will now be questioned over beating which led to death and sexual harassment. Assault which led to death is a major crime that is punishable by the Federal Penal Code… that maximum punishment could go up to ten years in jail. We will be requesting the Dubai Court of First Instance to implement the toughest punishment applicable."
When asked whether the suspect had any intention to kill the victim, the prosecutor said it is a case of beating which led to death and ‘not a premeditated murder'.
He said the investigation continues.
Hannah's blood pressure went up again on Tuesday morning and doctors have administered medication to keep it under control.
Esther, the eldest and the sole breadwinner of the family, leaves behind three siblings and her parents.
