Three RMN personnel charged over assault, death of colleagues

Three Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) personnel were charged in the Seri Manjung Magistrate's Court today in connection with the death and assault of two colleagues at the Sungai Wangi detention unit, Sitiawan, last Sept 29.

The accused - Mohd Izhrifikri Roslee, 29; Hamzah Zakaria, 35; and Mohd Farid Musa, 32 - all with the rank of senior seaman were on duty at the detention unit at that time.

Mohd Izhrifikri was charged with causing the death of Nik Muhammad Baihaqy Nik Mat, 28, at the training field of the detention unit between 0.30 am and 3.20 pm last Sept 29.

He was also charged with causing the death of Muhammad Lailatuliman Mohd Sukri, 26, at the same time, date and place.

The charge, framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, provides the death sentence upon conviction.

However, no plea was recorded from Mohd Izhrifikri after the charges were read out before Magistrate Nur Shaqira Ibrahim.

The court set Dec 12 for mention pending the chemist and port mortem reports, as well as other documents.

As for Hamzah, he faced two counts of voluntarily causing hurt on Nik Muhammad Baihaqy and Muhammad Lailatuliman at the walkway in front of the detention room at 10.30 am on Sept 29.

The third accused, Mohd Farid Musa, was charged with voluntarily causing hurt on Nik Muhammad Baihaqy at the security office of the detention unit at 12.30 am last Sept 28.

They pleaded not guilty and claimed trial to their respective charges.

Hamzah and Mohd Farid were allowed bail of RM4,000 in one surety on each count and the court set Oct 30 for mention.

They were charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code and faced an imprisonment for up to a year, or fine of up to RM2,000, or both, if found guilty.

Perak Prosecution Unit head Yusaini Amer Abd Karim prosecuted, while all the accused were unrepresented.

Lawyers Zalil Mohd Mess andFarah Helmy held a watching brief for Muhammad Lailatuliman's family.

-- BERNAMA