SEREMBAN: The family of a 28-year-old woman who was allegedly punched by a soldier following a minor traffic incident near here on March 29 are appealing to witnesses to come forward to testify in court.
The woman's oldest brother who only wished to be known as Umar, 33, said this was important to the case.
"Although we already have a video recording of the incident with the owner also willing to be a witness, we need other eyewitnesses in court.
"We really hope that those who witnessed the incident will come forward," he said, adding that he has also made the appeal on social media.
Umar said the family was also planning to file a civil suit against the 35-year-old soldier.
On April 8, Abdul Hafiz Abu Bakar, who is with the army, had claimed trial in the Magistrate’s Court here to a charge of punching the victim.
He was charged with voluntarily causing hurt under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to one year, a maximum fine of RM2,000 or both, upon conviction.
Two days later, Abdul Hafiz again pleaded not guilty to another charge of causing damage to the woman's car.
He was charged under Section 427 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of between one and five years or a fine or both upon conviction.
The courts will hear the case in May.
The incident occurred when the woman, who was driving a car, failed to avoid the man’s wife, 34, and their seven-year-old daughter, who suddenly crossed the road, resulting in minor injuries to both.
A 22-second video, which shows the suspect attacking the female driver then went viral on social media.
Umar said his sister was gradually recovering but has been left traumatised by the incident.
"She is constantly worried whenever she needs to drive somewhere these days," he said, adding that she even breaks down when thinking about the alleged assault.
