KOTA KINABALU, Jan 12 ― Two police corporals and one constable are among four suspects arrested for kidnapping a migrant worker in Lahad Datu and demanding a RM50,000 ransom for her release.
According to Sabah criminal investigations chief Datuk Salehhudin Abdul Rahman, the cops, aged between 26 and 33 years, and a local accomplice, were believed to be involved in kidnapping the 45-year-old IMM13 pass holder from her home on January 6.
“All three were members of the police force in Lahad Datu while the fourth suspect was a pirate taxi driver from Semporna. They were picked up yesterday and have been remanded for investigations,” he told a press conference here today.
The woman, a fish monger, lodged a police report on January 7 after the incident, claiming three masked and armed men entered her home in Kampung Silam, Lahad Datu at about 10pm on January 6.
She was then dragged into an unmarked “double cab” vehicle and brought into the Danum forest reserve where they told her to pay RM50,000 or else she would be killed.
“She contacted her cousin and told her to bring the money to her. Her cousin in turn was too afraid and sent her 72-year-old neighbour instead with the money,” said Salehhudin.
The neighbour brought the money to the suspects at a junction along Kampung Silam at about 2am and the woman was subsequently released.
After investigations, police arrested the suspects, between 11.30am and 4.30pm yesterday and seized two police-owned HKMP5 semi automatic guns, one police-owned M16, a white Ford ranger vehicle, a Proton Viva, items of clothing belonging to the suspects, RM8,100 in cash, and four cellular phones.
The case in being investigated under Section 3 of the Kidnapping Act 1961. If convicted, the offence carries a death sentence or imprisonment for life and also be liable to whipping.
