Burial of Malika Al Katib (8) will take place in Waterford
Malika Noor Al Katib
The ritual washing and burial of Malika Al Katib, who tragically died after a stabbing incident in New Ross on Sunday, is due to take place at Kilbarry Cemetery in Waterford City.
It was initially reported that the ceremony would take place on Wednesday, December 4, however, Imam Rashid Munir of the Waterford Islamic Centre confirmed to Waterford News & Star that the ritual washing and burial has not yet taken place as the body has not been received.
“A lot of state departments are involved in this and they have to do their procedures and paperwork. Once they are done, they will hand over the body and we will do our ritual and the burial inshallah” he said.
Gardaí are continuing their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death the 8-year-old school girl, following an alleged assault in New Ross, Co Wexford.
The incident occurred on Sunday, December 1, at a residence near the town centre.
A post-mortem examination was conducted by State Pathologist, Dr. Sally Anne Collis, on Monday, December 2, however, the results of that post-mortem have not been released for operational reasons.
The child’s mother was injured in the attack and brought to University Hospital Waterford.
Imam Munir said that he spent a number of hours with Malika’s mother at the hospital last night.
He added that she is slowly recovering from her injuries.
“Emotionally, that will take some time and its not easy for her," he said.
“It’s the loss of a beautiful child, a beautiful girl, full of life, smiles, laughter. It is a big loss for the community, and obviously the community are all feeling very down emotionally. Not only the Muslim community, but people from New Ross who are local Irish Christians are of course also not in a good shape at the moment.
“The whole neighborhood are feeling this pain.”
Investigating Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have any information on this fatal assault to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051 426 030, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111 or any Garda Station.
This investigation is ongoing.
