Estate worker slashed to death during argument over water in Kinabatangan

KOTA KINABALU: An estate worker was killed during an argument with a co-worker at their shared quarters in Kinabatangan, Sabah.

The victim, Lito Salibat, died of slash wounds following the misunderstanding with the suspect, Tata Dehasus, at about 5.30pm on Saturday (March 20).

Both the victim and the suspect are Indonesians.

Kinabatangan OCPD Supt Dzulbaharin Ismail said according to witnesses, the victim ran out of the workers quarters with blood streaming from his body while the suspect ran away holding a machete believed to have been used in the attack.

No one tried to stop Tata as he was carrying the weapon.

"The victim, Lito, had told other workers on the way to the hospital that the incident happened after Tata accused him of constantly wasting water," he said.

Supt Dzulbaharin said Tata was allegedly incensed as he did not have water to use as there was a constant shortage of water supply to the quarters.

He said both the suspect and victim had been living in the same quarters for the past five months.

The victim was pronounced dead at 10pm the same day.

Supt Dzulbaharin said the suspect is still on the run.

Those with information on the case or know the whereabouts of the suspect are urged to contact the police at 089-561 890 or 014-321 7050.