Kota Kinabalu: Two men were charged with gang-raping an underaged girl.
Norazwan Shah Alawi, 29, and Muhammad Shazwan Ab Rasul, 21, pleaded not guilty separately before Sessions Court Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan, after the charges were read to them.
They were accused of gang-raping the 16-year and 11-month-old girl between 10.30pm on Dec 19, 2023 and 1pm on Dec 20, 2023 at a rented room in Putatan Commercial Centre, Jalan Pintas Putatan.
They were charged under Section 375B of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of between 10 and 30 years, and whipping, on conviction.
SPONSORED CONTENT Hajiji says positive economic achievements prove Sabah govt’s commitment Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, emphasised that the positive economic achievements over the past three years underscore the Sabah government’s steadfast commitment to both the administration and development of the state. Read more The court set July 29 for pre-trial case management and released them on bail of RM8,000 in two local sureties. One surety must be from Kota Kinabalu area.
The duo was also ordered to report to the police station every month and their passports, if any, to be kept by the court until the disposal of their case.
Earlier, Deputy Public Prosecutor Al Hakim suggested bail of RM20,000 for each of the accused.
In asking for lower bail, the duo informed the court that they were from Semporna and they have families to look after.
In another case, a 37-year-old man, who was charged with raping an underaged girl, will go trial on March 1 and March 10, next year.
Mohd Addy Moksan is accused of raping the 14-year and six month-old girl on June 2023 at 3pm at a house in Kg Tambun, Kota Marudu.
In another case, a 21-year-old disabled person who was charged with raping his step-niece, was referred to the Hospital Mesra in Bukit Padang for mental observation.
Sessions Court Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan made the order for the man, who is learning impaired.
The court made the order after being informed by the prosecution that the man is disabled and based on the accused’s behaviour in court.
After the charge was read to him, he did not say anything and the court did not record his plea.
The court then suggested to send the man to the hospital for mental observation to see if he is fit to stand trial.
The prosecution agreed with the suggestion.
The court set July 30 for mention on the outcome from the hospital.
The man, who was 19 at the time, is accused of raping the 14-year-old girl at 3am on Jan 4, 2022 at a house in Kudat.
The offence, under Section 376(2)(d) of the Penal Code, carries a jail term of between 10 and 30 years, and whipping, on conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Hajar Mazlan appeared for the prosecution while the man was not represented.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.