KOTA KINABALU: A Perak-born man walked out of the Sessions Court, here, a free man on Tuesday (Oct 29), ending a four-year legal battle over charges of allegedly displaying 120 weapons for sale without his defence being called.
Sessions Court Judge Elsie Primus acquitted and discharged R. Rajdave Singh, 35, who had been accused of displaying various weapons for sale at a shop in Ranau, Sabah.
Rajdave was arrested on Nov 17, 2020, with authorities seizing 120 weapons, including 42 knives, 41 small folding knives, three metal knuckles, and 34 curved knives.
He faced charges under Section 7(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958, which prescribes a five- to ten-year prison term if found guilty.
His trial began on March 25, 2024, and concluded on May 21, with the prosecution calling seven witnesses.
However, Rajdave’s lawyer, Datuk Seri K. Rakhbir Singh, argued that the prosecution had failed to present a prima facie case, submitting that Rajdave had a valid alibi, as he was in Kota Kinabalu managing his car rental business, Kings Car Rental, at the time of the alleged offence.
Rakhbir further argued that a woman named Yu Pieng Pieng, who was present in the shop during the seizure, was not called as a witness by the prosecution.
In addition, each of the 120 seized weapons bore stickers labelled "Kedai Wha Kiong," yet no explanation was provided as to why the shop's proprietor was not summoned to testify.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Atiqa Nazihah Azmi contended that, since the shop’s trading licence was registered under Rajdave’s name, he should be held responsible.
After reviewing the evidence, the court ruled that the prosecution had not established a prima facie case and acquitted Rajdave.
Outside the courtroom, an emotional Rajdave, accompanied by his wife, expressed gratitude to the judge and lawyer for his freedom.
