Massive manhunt for commando in Lahad Datu shooting

LAHAD DATU: A massive manhunt is on for a commando who opened fire outside a 24-hour convenience store, killing another soldier and injuring two civilians on Wednesday. 

The 28-year-old dead soldier has been identified as L/Kpl Mohd Fiffixezafey Mat Hussin.  

All three were taken to hospital where Fiffixezafey died from bullet wounds to the chest following the 4.45am shooting. 

Both the civilians, aged 31 and 38, have been admitted to the Lahad Datu hospital and are in serious condition.

One of them, a bouncer, was shot in the shoulder and the other in the leg. 

Police are investigating the motive for the shooting and commotion in front of the Gemilang convenience store close to a police beat base. 

It is believed that the incident could be due to a misunderstanding among the soldiers and the civilians. 

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said the manhunt for the commando was launched statewide but they believed that he was still hiding in the vicinity of Lahad Datu. 

He said police had the identity of the soldier who opened fire at his colleague during the commotion. 

“We hope to find him and arrest him soon,” he said when contacted. 

The shooting created a stir in Lahad Datu that has been abuzz with rumours following the kidnapping of a Chinese national at Silam fish farm. 

Urging the public to remain calm, Hamza said that the shooting was not related to outside criminal elements.