KOTA KINABALU: Sabah police have set up a special task force to oversee the investigation into the murder of a vocational college student in Lahad Datu last Friday (March 22).
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said the special task force would be led by the state Criminal Investigation, Investigation and Legal Department deputy chief Asst Comm Cyril Edward Nuing.
He said the purpose of the task force was to ensure transparency in all aspects of the investigation into the case.
So far, 13 suspects, aged between 16 and 19, have been remanded to assist in the murder of their dormitory mate Mohammad Nazmie Aizzat Muhd Narul Azwan, 17, who was found dead in the dormitory by a warden at 6.50am on March 22.
"The task force will ensure that the investigation is conducted professionally and in an orderly manner," Comm Jauteh told reporters after a state police contingent event to mark the 217th Police Day celebrations at Kepayan here on Monday (March 25).
Comm Jauteh said the police have not yet been able to issue a full report regarding the results of the post-mortem, which had been completed.
"This is to prevent any speculation that could interfere with the investigation," he said.
He said several other individuals including the warden and other students have been called to have their statements recorded.
Comm Jauteh, meanwhile, reminded the public, especially school students, not to commit any crime including bullying.
He hoped the tragic incident could serve as a lesson to all parties, not only the school management but also the Parent Teacher Association in each school.
"We will always cooperate and provide the necessary assistance to prevent this tragedy from happening again," he added.
Meanwhile, Lahad Datu police chief ACP Rohan Shah Ahmad urged the public not to sensationalise the case as it could affect their investigations.
"All parties need to be sensitive as it involves teenagers and school students. They should also consider the feelings of the families of the victim," he said.
Those with information on the case should contact the district CID chief ASP Suddin Tjinkie at 017-488 1755.
In the incident, the victim, a biotechnology student at the college, was beaten up by fellow dormitory mates who suspected him of stealing RM85 that went missing from two students.
