By Nancy Lai
Teenager raped by WeChat friends
KOTA KINABALU: A 15-yearold girl in Manggatal reported to police that she was gang-raped by five WeChat acquaintances last month.
Police have detained the five suspects aged between 13 and 18, city police chief ACP M Chandra said.
They were picked up by police within 24 hours after the report against them was lodged by the victim on July 27, he said, adding that the five youths have been remanded for seven days from July 28 to facilitate investigations into the case.
Chandra said that the girl got to know the boys through the social media application WeChat three weeks before the alleged rape.
“After communicating via WeChat for three weeks, the girl met up with the boys at a park in Manggatal where they chatted for a while. The boys then invited her to continue their conversation in an abandoned house in the area.
“The victim in her report said that they forced her to go to the house and at about 3pm that day all six of them walked to the abandoned building. She tried to escape but was prevented by the boys and one of them promised to send her back later,” Chandra said.
The victim related to police that after reaching the house, they chatted for a couple of minutes before the boys took turns to rape her, he disclosed.
The case is being investigated under Section 375 (B) of the Penal Code for gang rape and those found guilty face a minimum of five years to a maximum of 30 years’ jail. They may also be whipped.
Chandra advised the public to have self discipline and to use social media wisely and for activities which are beneficial as well as good for them.
Teenagers must also be wise in making decisions on the activities they want to participate in and also to always heed their parents’ advice.
“Curiosity and the need to try something new will expose teenagers to negative activities if they are not monitored.
"Parents are therefore advised to always be in the know as to the activities and whereabouts of their children to ensure that they are not involved in immoral activities,” he said.
He also reminded parents to ensure that their daughters are not alone when they go out so as to prevent any untoward incidents.