Police have completed their investigation into the fatal stabbing of Yemanu Binyamin Zalka in Petah Tikva, announcing that all suspects have been arrested and that evidence has been gathered implicating the primary suspect.
The investigation concluded after a two-week manhunt, during which police apprehended all individuals believed to have been involved in the violent altercation. Investigators said they established a solid evidentiary basis linking the main suspect to the killing.
Authorities said Monday that 19 minors were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the incident, which took place on the eve of Independence Day. Most of the suspects are residents of Petah Tikva. Police said that with these arrests, all those connected to the case are now in custody.
Zalka, who worked at a Pizza Hut branch in Hakikar Mall in the Kfar Ganim C neighborhood, was stabbed during the confrontation.
The Sharon District’s Serious Crime Unit, working in coordination with a prosecutor from the Central District Attorney’s Office from the early stages of the investigation, compiled evidence indicating that the main suspect had fatally stabbed Zalka.
Earlier Monday, i24 crime reporter Lee Ayash published details of what was described as Zalka’s final recorded conversation. According to the report, investigators obtained an audio clip recorded shortly before the killing in which Zalka is heard attempting to calm the situation while those around him push for escalation.
Zalka is heard saying, “Why are you spraying here? The Health Ministry could shut our business down… You’re kids, I don’t want to fight with you.” One of the suspects replies: “If you want to fight, come to the side – don’t act tough in front of the cameras.”
The exchange, which took place approximately three hours before the stabbing, is considered a significant element in the investigation.
Central District Police Commander Maj.-Gen. Amir Cohen informed the Zalka family that the investigation had been completed.
Police expected to file indictments against murder suspects
Police are expected to submit a prosecutor’s statement later this week indicating their intention to file indictments against the suspects, each according to their alleged role.
The investigation involved intelligence-gathering and technological tools, as well as raids on suspects’ homes and targeted arrests. Some suspects allegedly attempted to flee or coordinate their actions during the manhunt.
Courts extended the suspects’ detention multiple times throughout the investigation. Authorities said they are now finalizing the evidentiary groundwork required to proceed with prosecutions in coordination with the Central District Attorney’s Office.
“The Israel Police shares in the family’s deep sorrow and will continue to act decisively, day and night, against serious violent crime and particularly against youth delinquency, in order to safeguard public peace and security,” a police statement saud.
“The Israel Police is committed to you and to uncovering the truth,” Cohen said. “Within a short time, we managed to reach all those known to us to be involved in the brutal murder of the late Yimanu. A young and normative youth whose life was cut short by severe and unnecessary violence. We will continue to act resolutely, together with the prosecution, until justice is fully served against all those involved.”
Source:
www.jpost.com
