KOTA SAMARAHAN: A violent home invasion that saw a 70-year-old man bound and robbed at machete-point has been swiftly cracked, with police arresting four men with extensive criminal records just days after the robbery.
The suspects, aged between 29 and 52, were rounded up in three raids around Asajaya during a special operation mounted by the Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) D9 Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Branch and Kota Samarahan CID.
Acting Kota Samarahan Police Chief, DSP Barry William, said the elderly victim lodged a police report on June 22 after he was allegedly attacked the previous night at his home in a village in Sadong Jaya.
Investigations found that three masked men armed with machetes and an iron rod forced their way into the victim’s house at around 9:30 pm before tying both of his hands.
“The suspects fled with RM3,000 in cash, a phone, personal documents, and several other belongings.
“Following the report, police launched a special operation to track down those involved, leading to the arrest of four local men and the seizure of several items believed to be linked to the case,” he said.
Preliminary urine screening found all four suspects tested positive for drugs.
Background checks also found that they have a combined 13 prior records involving drug offences as well as property and violent crimes.
All four suspects were brought before Kota Samarahan Magistrate’s Court this morning, where police obtained a seven-day remand order until July 1 to facilitate investigations.
Police are also actively tracking down another suspected accomplice who remains at large.
Barry said the case is being investigated under Sections 395 and 397 of the Penal Code for armed gang robbery.
Upon conviction, the offence provides for up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping.
