KOTA KINABALU: A grandmother has been detained by police for allegedly abusing her three grandchildren at Taman Jaya Diri in Sepanggar here recently.
The incident happened when neighbours heard continuous screams and cries from the children leading them to believe that the kids were being abused by their grandmother.
Fearing for the children’s safety, neighbours lodged a report at the nearest police station, which led to the arrest of the 47-year-old grandmother on June 3.
Deputy city police chief Superintendent M. Chandra said the siblings, a nine-year-old girl, her eight-year-old brother and three-year-old sister, have been placed in the care of their grandmother for the past couple of years following continuous arrest and imprisonment of their parents for drug abuse.
“Following the police report, police have detained the grandmother for investigation while the siblings are currently being warded at the Likas Women and Children’s hospital for observation.
“Reports from the doctor show all three siblings sustained several bruises on their bodies, shoulders, arms and back.
“Police investigation and interrogation on the grandmother also revealed that she consistently beat her grandchildren with a wooden ruler due to bad behaviour.
“The grandmother also admitted to the police that she is suffering from depression as she is a widow and her daughter is currently serving time in jail for drug offence,” he said yesterday.
Chandra said the siblings are reported to be in stable condition and would be referred to the Sabah Welfare Department.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 31 (1) (a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years or a fine up to RM20,000 or both on conviction.