KUALA LUMPUR: Police have yet to determine the motive behind the recent attack involving Selangor FC star Faisal Halim in Kota Damansara on May 5, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
Speaking at a press conference today, he said statements had been taken from 23 individuals.
"We used video footage in our investigations to identify suspects and to track their movements.
"This allows us to lift fingerprints and identify witnesses at the scene. This video footage assists our investigations.
"We have recorded statements from 23 witnesses to the incident. As for the motive, we haven't determined it yet.
"There was another incident where a football player's house was broken into, which I think was premeditated.
"Criminals observe when the player goes to training, when they return and their daily routine.
"They see football players as wealthy targets. In this case, only a handbag and a motorcycle worth RM15,000 were stolen," he said.
When asked if the case was linked to the robbery of national football player Akhyar Rashid in Kuala Terengganu and the incident where Johor Darul Ta'zim midfielder Safiq Rahim's car windshield was smashed, Razarudin said if police find a motive, they may be able to determine if these were connected and pre-planned.
He said since the release of the photofit of a suspect linked to the crime, there had been no developments.
However, he expressed hope that the public would recognise the suspect and provide information.
He added that during the course of investigations, if a witness's statement does not align with the evidence from the footage, they would be called back for further questioning.
"Our investigation is also focused on the CCTV footage that we use (for the investigation). Let's say, a witness says something different compared with the footage, we will call that witness back, so that we can add to or correct the previous statement," he said.
Faisal was attacked at a shopping mall in Petaling Jaya on May 5, suffering acid burns to several parts of his body, including his face.
He has since undergone several surgeries and is said to be responding well to skin graft procedures.
Two people were arrested in connection with the case, with both having been released on police bail.
Prior to his attack, Akyar was attacked in Terengganu in what is believed to be a robbery.
Two days after Faisal's attack, Johor Darul Ta'zim midfielder Safiq Rahim had his car windshield smashed by unknown assailants.