Two suspects arrested for alleged rape
KUCHING: Two male suspects were arrested for al legedly raping a woman who gave birth prematurely to a baby boy at the Sarawak General Hospital on April 23.
According to Padawan District deputy chief police, DSP Merbin Lisa, the suspects aged 48 and 50years- old, were arrested at their village in Padawan around 11am yesterday.
“The victim who is in her 20s is also diagnosed with hearing and speech impairment since young,” said Merbin, who confirmed the arrest.
Besides the two suspects, the police are also on the look out for a third suspect who is currently still at large.
The victim and her baby are currently warded at the Sarawak General Hospital ( SGH) for monitoring due to the premature birth (eight months).
“The case investigating officer could not record the victim’s statements yesterday as she was unable to orally answer his (officer) questions,” he added.
A sign language interpreter would be called in as soon as possible for the police to record her (victim’s) statement.
The arrest of the two suspects was made after the victim’s father lodged a police report at the Padawan District police headquarters around 8pm on April 23.
The case will be investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape, which is punishable by a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping, upon conviction.
Merbin said a remand order would be applied tomorrow for the police to conduct their investigations.
Both suspects do not have any past criminal records.