KOTA KINABALU: Three teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of raping a schoolmate in Merotai, Tawau.
The boys, aged 15 and 16, were detained in the Merotai police beat base compound at 6.50pm on Wednesday (April 22) after a report was lodged against them at 4.43pm.
Tawau OCPD Asst Comm Jasmin Hussin said the report was filed by the girl’s mother, who was informed of the incident by a school counsellor.
"Initial investigations show that the incident was believed to have happened on Sunday (April 19) when the main suspect, a Form Five student, brought the girl to a house before allegedly raping her there.
"Two of the suspect’s friends were also arrested as they were believed to be accomplices to this case," he said on Thursday (April 23).
ACP Jasmin said the victim claimed she was taunted and mocked every day in school, and was often the target of lewd remarks by the suspect’s friends.
He said all the suspects have been remanded to facilitate investigations under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape.
He said a thorough and fair investigation would be conducted to prevent any heinous incidents from recurring within the community, especially involving youths.
ACP Jasmin also advised parents and guardians to monitor their children’s activities, especially outside school hours.
"It is important for parents to be alert to any changes of attitude or behaviour in their children, and to be aware of who their friends are," he said, adding that close rapport between parents and teachers as well as the community helps curb social ills.
