KUALA LUMPUR – Three men have been charged in the magistrates’ court today over the alleged gang rape of a 27-year-old woman in her Wangsa Maju home on August 30.
The accused, aged 33, 33 and 28, pleaded not guilty to the charge under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and whipping upon conviction.
The victim’s 29-year-old brother-in-law was also among the group of men who allegedly raped her.
Initially charged under Section 107 of the Penal Code last week, he now faces charges under Section 376(1). If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison and caning.
Deputy public prosecutor Roslizi Sulaiman, leading the prosecution, had argued against allowing bail for the suspects. The next hearing is scheduled for October 12.
The victim was reportedly raped by five men at her Wangsa Maju residence at approximately 3.30am on August 30.
It is understood that the fifth suspect has yet to be charged.
She was asleep at the time and was awakened after her hands were bound before the suspects allegedly assaulted her in turns.
The brother-in-law was arrested on September 2, while the other suspects were apprehended between September 7 and 9. The attack was also reportedly recorded on video.
Wangsa Maju police chief Ashari Abu Samah stated that investigations revealed the incident allegedly occurred as a result of a debt settlement. – September 13, 2023