Police arrest the suspect in Kinarut. – Police photo
PENAMPANG (May 8): Police arrested the suspect in the slashing of a 16-year-old foreign girl’s neck less than five hours after the incident at a rental house in Kampung Tuntuluk, Nosoob, here on Thursday.
Penampang police chief Supt Sammy Newton said the 29-year-old foreigner was found hiding in bushes on Jalan Kinarut Lama at around 5.30pm.
Sammy said based on initial investigations, the suspect went to the victim’s house to meet with her sister-in-law to claim an outstanding debt for plumbing repairs at around 12.30pm.
“At the time of the incident, the victim was preparing lunch in the kitchen while taking care of her nephew as her sister-in-law was at work.
“An argument broke out between the victim and the suspect before the suspect grabbed a knife the victim was holding and slashed the girl’s neck.
“The suspect also pushed the victim into the bathroom before fleeing the scene,” Sammy said in a statement.
Within hours of the incident, a Penampang Criminal Investigation Department team managed to apprehend the suspect in Kinarut.
“The suspect did not have any identification documents and a urine test found the suspect to be positive for methamphetamine.
“The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder,” said Sammy.
He added the victim is currently in a stable condition and receiving further treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital here.
Sammy also advised the public not to speculate or spread false news regarding the incident, which could cause public concern and interfere with the investigation.
He appealed to those with information on the case to contact investigating officer ASP Hairie Awang Akub on 016-8032849.