Cleaner set for September trial over alleged rape of teen niece in Tuaran

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 25): A cleaner will stand trial on Sept 2-3 here for allegedly raping his teenage niece in 2024.

Sessions Court Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan set the trial date during case management for the 48-year-old man’s case on Wednesday.

Deputy public prosecutor Bryan Francis informed the court that the prosecution had served four witness statements and a medical report to the defence.

He also said the prosecution will be calling seven witnesses to testify against the accused.

Counsel for the accused, Mohd Al Hafidz Mohd Lokman, confirmed receiving the relevant documents.

The man is accused of raping his then 13-year-old niece in the living room of a house in Tuaran in November 2024.

The charge comes under Section 376 (2) (d) of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term of up to 30 years and caning upon conviction.