Kota Kinabalu: A task force has been set up to investigate the death of a male student of a vocational college in Lahad Datu on March 22.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said the task force, headed by State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Deputy Chief (Investigation and Legal) ACP Cyril Edward, is to ensure a speedy, more professional and transparent investigation.
He said the police could not divulge the cause of death based on the autopsy report for now to prevent any speculation.
“However, based on the available photos, there are indeed bruises on the victim’s body.
“The remand of 13 people arrested to help in the investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code will end on March 29. We have also recorded statements from several people, including the warden and their friends.
“Although the post-mortem has been conducted, police are not revealing the findings to avoid creating speculation as the case is still under investigation,” he told a press conference after attending the state-level 217th Police Day celebration, here, Monday.
The student, Mohammad Nazmie Aizzat Mohd Narul Azwan, 17, was found dead with injuries and bruises on his body on the floor of a hostel room.
Police said initial investigations showed he had a misunderstanding with some students after being accused of stealing RM50 and RM35 from two students.
Jauteh hoped the incident would serve as a lesson to all, especially students, to not take the law into their own hands.
He said schools through their communications officers should remind students to steer clear of any actions that could lead to a recurrence of this incident.
Meanwhile, Lahad Datu District Police Chief ACP Dr Rohan Shah Ahmad reminded the public not to speculate on the case as it could affect investigations.
He said extreme comments and excessive speculations could interfere with police investigations
“Anyone who has information on this case should contact district CID Chief ASP Suddin Tjinkie at 017-4881755,” he said.
