Four men have been arrested in connection with the horrific gang rape of a 14-year-old girl whose bedroom was stormed into in the middle of the night. The incident occurred around 2am on May 9, when the teenager was asleep in her room in the eastern Sabah district of Lahad Datu.
Arrests Made in Gang Rape Case
The four men, including a foreign national, were arrested by police after the assault was discovered by the family days later. All suspects are said to be in their 20s. A report indicates one male suspect entered the room and was followed by the other three.
Once the family discovered the rape, they immediately contacted the police and lodged a complaint. Lahad Datu District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Dzulbaharin Ismail confirmed that a subsequent investigation led to the arrest of the four suspects.
Police Statement on the Investigation
Ismail said: "The individuals in custody comprise three local men and one foreigner, all aged in their 20s. All suspects are now remanded for seven days to assist in further investigations. The case is being investigated under Section 375B of the Penal Code."
The Assistant Commissioner has since released a further statement warning families to monitor who their children interact with. He said: "In relation to this, I advise parents and guardians to always monitor their children's interactions and friendships to prevent them from being exposed to social ills and becoming crime victims."
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The suspects are currently in remand as the investigation is ongoing. Police are investigating the case under Section 375B of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term of between eight and 30 years and whipping upon conviction.
The case has shocked the local community and sparked renewed calls for vigilance and stricter measures to protect minors from sexual violence.
