KUCHING: Acting Kuching Police Chief, Supt. Merbin Lisa confirmed that a police team from the Gita Station successfully apprehended a 21-year-old local man in the Demak Laut area, Bako Road, Kuching, on April 7, at 4.00 pm for robbery.
He said the suspect is one of the three suspects who robbed a grocery shop assistant in Muara Tebas on March 30 at 8.30 pm.
Merbin said the victim, a 27-year-old shop assistant was guarding the counter at a 24-hour retail store when he was approached by the suspects, who were armed with sharp weapons.
One of the suspects pointed a weapon at the victim and demanded money. The suspects managed to steal RM2,950 from the counter.
Acting on information, a suspect was caught and found in possession of a stolen motorcycle, which had been reported missing in the Kota Samarahan district.
Merbin added that from preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect admitted to being involved in the robbery and had five prior criminal records. A drug screening also showed the suspect tested positive for drugs.
“The police are working tirelessly to resolve this case,” said Supt. Merbin Lisa. “We have successfully detained the prime suspect, but investigations are ongoing to identify the remaining individuals involved and to assess whether the suspect is linked to any other criminal activities.”
The suspect is currently remanded for six days, until April 14, as the investigation continues.
The case is being investigated under Section 395/397 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Merbin also called on the public to assist in the investigation. “We encourage anyone with information about this case or any suspicious activity in the area to come forward,” he said.
Anyone with further information related to the incident is urged to contact Investigating Officer Insp. Ridzainuddin Bin Rosley Abdullah at 010-9431449 or to report any suspicious persons to the Kuching IPD Control Center at 082-24444.
By Connie Chieng