Four men, including a foreign national, have been arrested on suspicion of gang-raping a 14-year-old girl in an incident reported to have taken place at a house in Kampung Batu 1, Jalan Segama, Lahad Datu last month.
Police said the suspects, comprising three local men and one foreigner in their 20s, were detained following a report lodged by the victim’s family after the matter came to light days after the incident.
Lahad Datu district police chief Assistant Commissioner Dzulbaharin Ismail said the case is believed to have occurred at about 2am on 9 May while the victim was alone inside a room at the premises.
Authorities stated that initial investigations suggest the suspects entered the room where the teenager was resting before the alleged offence took place. The case only became known to the family several days later, prompting a police report to be made.
Acting on the report, police launched an investigation which led to the arrest of all four suspects to assist in further inquiries. All individuals have since been remanded for seven days to facilitate investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 375B of the Penal Code, which carries severe penalties including imprisonment of not less than eight years and up to 30 years, as well as whipping upon conviction.
Police have reiterated that sexual crimes are treated with utmost seriousness and warned that firm action will be taken against those involved. Parents and guardians have also been urged to closely monitor their children’s social interactions to help prevent them from becoming victims of crime.
