By Abdullah Al-Dhibyani
MAKKAH — The horrific double murder that took place in a residential area of Makkah on Thursday sent shock waves across Saudi society, particularly the academic community.
A university teacher allegedly stabbed his elderly father and 20-year-old sister to death in Al-Shouqiyah area of Makkah. He also attacked his mother before attempting to kill himself.
The case will be handed over to the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution on Sunday.
Umm Al-Qura University former provost Adel Ghabashi said the incident has shocked the people of the neighborhood. What became more devastating was the fact that the perpetrator is a university teacher.
“What happened on Thursday was horrific. The suspect killed his own father and his own sister and attacked his mother. I hope his mother is recovering at hospital. The university must run regular checks on the mental status of its employees,” said Gabashi.
He also said the university should take note of employees who show signs of violence.
“Everyone should be monitored, faculty members and other staff members. Being lenient about mental illnesses could lead to disastrous consequences such as this one. The health condition of anyone with mental illness must be taken care of,” said Gabashi.
He said people with mental illnesses must be isolated from the general public to protect them from harm.
“Schools and universities should be more proactive in running mental health checkups on their employees. Whenever a staff member or an employee is suspected to have a mental illness, the school or university should send him or her for psychiatric examination immediately,” said Gabashi.
A source said the suspect stabbed his father and sister to death on Thursday and attacked his mother. “The wounded mother managed to escape and lock the suspect inside the house. She ran to the neighbors who called the police. The woman was admitted to intensive care and is slowly recovering,” said the source.
