TAWAU – The Tawau High Court today found 13 students of Lahad Datu Vocational College guilty of murdering their fellow student, Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat Mohd Narul Azwan, in a tragic incident that shocked the community last year.
Judge Datuk Duncan Sikodol ruled that the prosecution had successfully proven a prima facie case against all the accused, who were aged between 16 and 19 at the time of the crime. The verdict was delivered after weeks of hearings that revealed the disturbing details surrounding the victim’s death.
The court fixed 28 August for sentencing, pending the submission of a moral report from the Social Welfare Department (JKM). The findings of this report will play a crucial role in determining the severity of the punishment for the young offenders.
According to the charge sheet, the 13 accused were jointly responsible for the murder of Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat. The attack allegedly took place inside the dormitory rooms of 7 Resak and 5 Belian, Lahad Datu Vocational College, between 9pm on 21 March 2023 and 7.38am the following morning.
The case was prosecuted under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutors, Nur Nisla Abdul Latif and Ng Jhun Tao, represented the prosecution team. The case’s lead investigating officer was Assistant Superintendent Suddin Tjinke, Head of the District Criminal Investigation Division (KBSJD), Lahad Datu District Police Headquarters (IPD).
The 13 accused were defended by several legal firms, including Ram Singh Harbans & Co, LCZ Law Firm, Johari, Zelika & Amin, Vivian Thien & Associates, Kang Advocates, Kusni & Komariah, and Chang & Kamarudin.
The case has drawn widespread public attention due to the large number of young individuals involved in the crime and the brutal nature of the offence. Families, educators, and legal experts are now awaiting the sentencing date, which is expected to set an important precedent in dealing with violent crimes among youths in educational institutions. – Sinar Harian
