Case of E-Hailing Driver Charged with Murder Set for Re-Mention
Court Sets New Date for Proceedings
Kuching: The Magistrate’s Court has set March 17 for the re-mention of the case involving an e-hailing driver charged with the murder of Nurul Asikin Lan, whose body was found in a drain along Jalan Setia Raja, Tabuan, last December.
Prosecution Awaits DNA Analysis and Post-Mortem Reports
Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah Azura Wan Ali fixed the date following an application by deputy public prosecutor Jean Siow Chung Hwei, who informed the court that the prosecution was awaiting the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis and the victim’s post-mortem reports.
Suspect Unrepresented, Faces Serious Charges
Zakwan Mokhtar, 24, who is unrepresented in court, is accused of causing the death of Nurul Asikin, 29, before her decomposed remains were discovered in a drain along Jalan Setia Raja, at 9:10 pm on December 14 last year. The charge, framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, carries the death penalty or imprisonment of not less than 30 years and up to 40 years. If not sentenced to death, the accused may also face a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.
Suspect’s Confession
Previously, media reports quoted Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata as saying that the suspect had confessed to committing the crime out of desperation to fund his trip to Phnom Penh for the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 match between Malaysia and Cambodia.
Conclusion
The court’s decision to set a new date for the case’s re-mention highlights the complexity of the investigation and the need for further analysis to ensure a successful prosecution. The seriousness of the charges against Zakwan Mokhtar underscores the gravity of the crime, and the court’s consideration of the evidence will be crucial in determining the outcome of the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the nature of the charges against Zakwan Mokhtar?
A: Zakwan Mokhtar is charged with murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of not less than 30 years and up to 40 years.
Q: What is the significance of the DNA analysis and post-mortem reports in the case?
A: The DNA analysis and post-mortem reports are crucial in establishing the identity of the victim and the cause of death, which is essential in determining the guilt of the accused.
Q: What is the motive behind the crime, according to the police?
A: According to the police, Zakwan Mokhtar confessed to committing the crime out of desperation to fund his trip to Phnom Penh for the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 match between Malaysia and Cambodia.