Kota Kinabalu: A 72-year-old man claimed trial at the High Court here, to murdering his former fiancée, whose dismembered body parts were found in a rubbish bin at Taman Indah Permai, Sepanggar.
Piluta Samad (pic) entered his plea of not guilty before Judicial Commissioner Dayang Ellyn Narisa Abang Ahmad, after the charge was read to him on Monday.
The court set Oct 19 for pre-trial case management when the prosecution requested for the date.
The prosecution informed the court that all the documents are ready.
Piluta is accused of killing his former fiancée, one Hamidah Husin @ Lisa on Feb 11, between 6pm and 7pm, at a house in Kampung Sri Kenangan, Jalan Sepanggar, here.
He was first charged on Feb 27 this year to face the charge under Section 302 of the Penal Code which provides for the death penalty or a jail sentence of between 30 and n 40 years, and whipping at least 12 strokes, if not sentenced to death, on conviction.
On April 15, the Magistrate’s Court ordered Piluta to undergo psychiatric observation at Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang following an application by the defence.
On July 23, the prosecution informed the court that a psychiatric report from the hospital confirmed that Piluta was fit to plead and stand trial and did not suffer from any mental illness.
On Sept 8, the Magistrate’s Court had transferred the case to the High Court.
Since then, Piluta was ordered remanded further pending the disposal of his case, as the charge against him has no provision for bail.
State Prosecution Director Naziah Moktar and Deputy Public Prosecutor Samira Khalili appeared for the prosecution.
Together with Ram were counsels Joan Goh, Prem Ganasan, Ian Vun and Prabjit Singh Gill.
