Probe papers on Kuching axe attack on teacher submitted to DPP

The investigation into an alleged axe attack on a teacher by a 16-year-old at a private school in Kuching has been completed, with police submitting the investigation papers to the deputy public prosecutor yesterday.

Sarawak acting police commissioner Saifullizan Ishak said further decisions on the case would depend on the prosecution’s review of the probe papers and a forensic psychiatric report on the suspect, Harian Metro reported.

“The forensic psychiatric report is important for 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 headquarters in Kuching.

Saifullizan said preliminary investigations found that the suspect bought the axe online. An analysis of his mobile phone and computer is ongoing to obtain information related to the Oct 21 incident.

Saifullizan said the teenager was still receiving treatment in hospital while undergoing psychiatric and medical assessments.

He said police found no evidence that the teenager was bullied leading up to the incident.

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

The 42-year-old teacher sustained a cut to her left hand, but the injury did not involve any muscles or bones. She was discharged after receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kuching.

Saifullizan said police had recorded statements from 38 witnesses, including students, teachers, security guards, medical experts and the suspect’s parents.

The 16-year-old student was arrested following the incident which he allegedly livestreamed on social media. He was also reportedly carrying firecrackers.

The case was probed for voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous weapons and handling explosives.