Murder at Lahad Datu Vocational College: Students Testify in Court
The Incident
Thirteen students, aged between 16 and 19, have been charged with jointly murdering Nazmie Aizzat Narul Azwan at the Lahad Datu Vocational College in Sabah in March. The incident occurred in Room 7 and Room 5 (Belian) at the college between 9pm on March 21 and 7.39am on March 22.
Witness Testimony
A Lahad Datu Vocational College student testified in the High Court that the second accused in the case of Nazmie Aizzat Narul Azwan’s murder had instructed everyone in Room 5 of their hostel to leave him alone with the victim on the night of the incident on March 21.
The 17th prosecution witness said upon receiving the instruction, several occupants of the room, including 10 of the accused who had been involved in assaulting the victim, exited the room. "The second accused told everyone to leave, saying ‘leave him with me’. But I didn’t leave because I was tired. A few other occupants also stayed," he said.
The witness continued, "I closed the door because I was scared and lay on the bed. At that time, the second accused and the victim were standing near a bed. I saw the accused punch the victim in the shoulder and kick him in the head and waist. Then I saw the accused drag the victim by his hand to the middle of the room. The victim struggled to get free. The accused then pushed the victim into the lockers, causing a loud bang."
Continued Assault
The witness testified that after hearing a loud bang, the first, fifth and sixth accused entered the room and told the second accused to stop. However, the second accused told them to leave and the door was closed again. Once the door was closed, the second accused continued to assault the victim, prompting Nazmie to plead for it to stop and call out to the first accused for help.
"The second accused then took the victim out of the room, but I don’t know where he was taken," he said.
Second Witness Testimony
The 18th prosecution witness, also a student at the college, then testified that he saw the victim asleep on a mattress on the floor, covered in blankets, when he entered Room 7 at 5am to take his toiletries. "After taking a shower, I saw the 11th accused trying to wake the victim, but he didn’t respond. I thought he was asleep," he said, adding that Room 7 was occupied by the first, fifth, sixth, eighth, ninth and 11th accused.
Conclusion
The trial continues tomorrow, with the prosecution presenting more evidence and witnesses to build their case against the accused. The charge, framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code and read together with Section 34 of the same code, carries the death penalty or imprisonment for 30 to 40 years and not more than 12 strokes of the cane, upon conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the charge against the accused?
A: The accused are charged with jointly murdering Nazmie Aizzat Narul Azwan at the Lahad Datu Vocational College in Sabah in March.
Q: How many students are accused of the crime?
A: Thirteen students, aged between 16 and 19, are accused of the crime.
Q: What is the penalty for the crime if the accused are convicted?
A: The penalty for the crime, if the accused are convicted, is the death penalty or imprisonment for 30 to 40 years and not more than 12 strokes of the cane.