Missing man allegedly murdered, burnt; nephew detained
RANAU: Police arrested a local man who allegedly murdered his uncle before setting the body on fire at a forest in Kampung Kipaliu, here on Thursday.
Ranau district police chief Deputy Superintendent Simiun Lomudin said a family member found bone fragments of the 68year-old victim in the forest at around 3pm on Thursday.
Simiun said the family member, who is the nephew of the victim, lodged a police report at the Ranau police station at 9.43pm the same day.
“The nephew told police that the victim has been missing since April 16 and when he went to look for his uncle, he found bone fragments in the forest behind his uncle’s house.
“The bone fragments have been taken to the Kota Kinabalu Chemistry Department for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA),” he said in a statement on Friday.
Following the discovery, police detained a 50-year-old man, who is another nephew of the victim.
“Investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the incident,” said Simiun, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Meanwhile, Simiun reminded the public not to make any speculation on the case as it is still under police investigation.
He also urged those with information to come forward or to contact the Ranau police station at 088-875 222.