TAWAU: A 21-year-old local youth was killed while his friend was injured after both were believed to have been attacked and shot by a group of men in an incident at Mile 2, Apas Road early yesterday.
In the incident that occurred at about 2am, the victim died after he was shot in the chest while his friend, 23, was injured in the left knee after both were believed shot with a shotgun.
District police chief, ACP Awang Besar Dullah, said police are still investigating the exact cause of the incident as to whether a fight had broken out between the victim and the group of men involved.
He said the seven men believed to be involved in the incident have been detained to assist the police in their investigation.
Awang said the police have not received any report on any case connected to the fight so far and police will take a statement from the victim who was injured in the incident.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code which provides for the death penalty, if convicted.
He said the victim was pronounced dead while on the way to Tawau General Hospital while his friend is now being treated at the hospital.
Awang advised to the public not to take hasty action which may result in loss of life if any misunderstanding occurs but instead when faced with such incidents or conflict, to call the police immediately to avoid untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, he is appealing to anyone who has information regarding the incident to come forward or contact the nearest police station to provide the information.