Kuching cops nab four men for series of armed robberies

KUCHING: A gang of four men allegedly involved in a spate of armed robberies in the city has been apprehended by the police.

Acting on information, the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) successfully arrested the suspects, who were in a Perodua Alza, at a public parking area along Jalan Tun Jugah around 2.30am on Dec 15.

The weapons used in the robberies, were seized by Kuching police.

Kuching deputy police chief Supt Merbin Lisa said that inspections of the vehicle, which bore a false plate number, led to the discovery of weapons, including a samurai sword, machete, hockey stick, hoof knife, as well as face masks, hats and gloves.

These items were believed to be used by the suspects in the robbery. During interrogation, all the suspects aged between 23 and 49, confessed to their involvement in a 24-hour convenience store robbery on Jalan Chan Bee Kiew on Dec 3 at 6.30am.

Further questioning revealed their admission to two additional robberies at grocery stores in the Padungan area on Oct 23 and Nov 8,” he explained.

Background checks indicated that the suspects, who tested positive for amphetamine, have prior records related to various crimes and drugs.

Supt Merbin mentioned that the suspects are being remanded under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code until Dec 22, facilitating investigations into potential involvement in other cases in Kuching or other districts.

The cases are under investigation under Section 395/397 of the Penal Code, which carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years and whipping upon conviction.