Man Charged with Murder, Dismemberment, and Theft After Fatal Dispute

Prosecutors have indicted Salah Otman, 48, from Issawiya, for the aggravated murder of Fatima Rajabi approximately three weeks ago. Otman, who reportedly had significant gambling debts, allegedly borrowed about 90,000 shekels from Rajabi over several years, claiming the money was for a washing machine repair business. Instead, he is accused of using the funds for gambling. When Rajabi demanded repayment, Otman decided to kill her, according to the indictment. He allegedly purchased a metal barrel in advance to conceal her body and hid it in a shed at his home.

Otman met Rajabi and drove her to his home, promising to return her money. Near his residence, after she continued to press for the debt, he allegedly struck her twice in the head with a hammer from his car's trunk, killing her. He then drove around Jerusalem and Tel Aviv with her body in his vehicle before placing it in the barrel and attempting to seal it.

Further charges include stealing 15,000 shekels from Rajabi's account using her debit card, destroying evidence by hiding the hammer and discarding mobile phones, and attempting to obstruct the investigation. Otman remained at large for several days until a relative turned him in to the police. The prosecution is seeking his detention until the conclusion of legal proceedings.