No evidence of bullying in student's axe attack on teacher, says Sarawak police

KUCHING: Police have found no evidence of bullying in the case of a 16-year-old student who injured a teacher with an axe at a private school here on Oct 21.

Sarawak acting police commissioner Deputy Commissioner Saifullizan Ishak said investigations had been completed and the investigation papers submitted to the Sarawak deputy public prosecutor on Oct 26.

However, he said further decisions were pending the prosecution's review and a forensic psychiatric report on the suspect.

"The forensic psychiatric report is important in determining the suspect's mental state at the time of the incident, including whether he acted consciously or was out of control," he told a press conference at the Sarawak police contingent headquarters here today.

The incident occurred at 7.50am, when the suspect allegedly brought firecrackers before injuring the 42-year-old female teacher with an axe.

The teacher sustained a wound to her left hand, but the injury did not involve muscles or bones. She received treatment at a private hospital in Kuching and was later discharged.

Saifullizan said the suspect was arrested on the day of the incident and remained in hospital for treatment and assessment by psychiatric and medical specialists.

The case is being investigated under Section 324 of the Penal Code and Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958.

He said police had recorded statements from 38 witnesses, including students, teachers, security guards, medical specialists and the suspect's parents.

"Items seized include an axe, a knife, firecrackers, as well as computers and gadgets from the suspect's home.

"All items have been sent for forensic analysis. Initial investigations found that the suspect bought the axe online, while analysis of his mobile phone and computer is ongoing to obtain information related to the incident," he said.

On claims that the suspect was influenced by online games or certain content, Saifullizan said the matter remained under investigation and police would not draw conclusions without credible evidence.

He said any decision on whether the suspect would be charged or face further action would depend on the prosecution's assessment of the investigation findings and relevant expert reports.

On whether the suspect might be handed over to his family or the relevant authorities for care, he said this would also depend on professional reports and recommendations.

Saifullizan urged the public not to speculate or circulate unverified information, as the case involved a minor.