Diocese awaits police probe
Published on: Monday, July 04, 2022
By: Anthea Peter
Kota Kinabalu: The Sandakan Diocese is still waiting for the outcome of police investigations into the murder of two parishoners inside a church compound in Semporna on June 26. Bishop Datuk Julius Dusin Gitom said they are also waiting to know whether the suspect would be charged in court.ADVERTISEMENT
It was reported two Timorese were hacked to death with a machete at the St Maria church in Ladang Pinang Kalumpang, Semporna.
A video recording of the incident went viral. It was not known if anyone had alerted the police about the incident but the video showed a crowd outside the church pleading with the assailant to put down his weapon.
The 4.30pm incident left the two men, 52 and 57, with critical injuries.
A 29-year-old foreigner who showed up at the police station to provide his statement has since been detained to facilitate investigations.ADVERTISEMENT
Misunderstanding between the men is believed to have triggered the assault.
A machete believed used in the attack has been recovered, along with other items.
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Meanwhile, Julius said they have always tried their best to ensure the safety of the church and its compound.
He did not say whether the incident would necessitate the stationing of security guards at the premises.
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