Two arrested in fatal shooting of soldier in Song

KUCHING: Police arrested two local men in connection with the fatal shooting of an armed forces personnel in Song earlier this week.

Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said the suspects, both 31 and from Song, were taken into custody around 6 pm yesterday (Sept 24) following public tip-offs.

Also seized from them was a shotgun and multi-projectile munitions (scattershot).

“Both men were found to be involved in illegal hunting in the area. One of them allegedly fired the shot that killed the soldier, mistaking him for a wild animal.

“We believe they panicked and fled the scene on motorcycle after hearing the victim scream in pain from the shot, realising it was not an animal.

“The case is classified under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, and a remand application will be made in court,” he told a press conference this morning (Sept 24).

Police are still conducting investigations from various angles to complete the investigation paper.

Asked about the firearm’s authenticity, Mancha clarified that it was legally purchased as it is licensed.

“Further checks found that the firearm is licensed to the father of one of the suspects. However, the individual holding the firearm at the time did not have a licence,” he said.

He also confirmed that the army had informed locals about their training activities in the area beforehand, as part of their standard procedure.

The incident occurred on Monday (Sept 23), when a 29-year-old soldier was hit by a random gunshot around 2.45 am during a training exercise in a forested area near Jalan Multipass Link in Song.

The corporal sustained injuries to his waist and liver and was rushed to Kapit Hospital, but was pronounced dead at 7.43 am while receiving treatment.

An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the left side of his back.

Mancha urged the public not to speculate on the incident and to report any information to the investigating officer ASP Balie Jelian at 011-10702264 or 084-777545, or the nearest police station.