Middleman in the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder Melvin Theuma has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries after a suspected attempt to commit suicide. He is currently being operated on and is in serious condition.
Sources told The Malta Independent that stab wounds were found in his neck and chest while he was in his home on Triq is-Sirk in Swieqi.
In a statement, the police said that Theuma was taken to Mater Dei Hospital. Upon his arrival to the hospital, the emergency parking area at Mater Dei Hospital was closed off as a security precaution, and a large police presence was noted at the hospital, where officers wearing bullet proof vests were seen, and many RIU cars are parked.
Initial indications are that Theuma caused the injuries himself, the police statement read, while stressing that investigations are ongoing.
The police said that Theuma's lawyer could not get a hold of him, and the lawyer drew the attention of the police to this fact.
"Immediately, the police stationed outside his residence entered together with Theuma's wife, and found Theuma suffering from injuries. Medical assistance was sought and Theuma was taken to Mater Dei Hospital."
Investigations are ongoing and a magisterial inquiry has been called. Magistrate Astrid May Grima was then seen on site soon after the statement was released. After Melvin Theuma was taken to hospital, the crime scene police geared up to enter the building.
Inspectors Keith Arnaud and Kurt Zahra are on site. The two inspectors have been investigating the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Theuma was due to testify tomorrow in the compilation of evidence against Yorgen Fenech, who is charged with being complicit in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
He was due to be cross-examined by the defence. A court yesterday ruled that his presidential pardon obtained to tell all on the murder had to be exhibited as part of proceedings.
Theuma is a key witness in the case, particularly through the recordings he took of conversations between himself and Fenech after the assassination took place.
A large number of police cars and an ambulance were seen outside of his home.
