Missing Man’s Body Found Wrapped In Canvas, Two Friends Remanded

SIPITANG: The mystery surrounding the disappearance of a man since July 3 has finally been resolved after his body was found wrapped in canvas in a forest area approximately one kilometre from Kampung Takula, Sipitang.

The discovery of the body was made after police arrested two local men who were also friends of the victim and believed to be involved in the incident.

Sipitang District Police Chief, Superintendent Awang Anak Suand said the case was initially classified as a missing persons case after the victim failed to return home.

“Investigations and questioning of both suspects led to the discovery of the victim’s body wrapped in canvas at the location of the incident,” he said when contacted today, as reported by Harian Metro.

He said preliminary investigations found that the act of wrapping the victim’s body was believed to have been done by the suspects out of panic and fear after the incident occurred.

According to him, the victim is believed to have been shot while out hunting in the forest area.

Police also seized two homemade bakakuk firearms from both suspects yesterday to assist in the investigation.

“Both suspects, who are also local men aged around their 50s, have been remanded to assist in the investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

“Further investigations are still ongoing to identify the actual cause of the incident,” he said.

Earlier, the victim was reported to have gone out with two of his friends to the forest area of Kampung Takula on July 3 to fish and hunt.

However, both of his friends returned on July 5 without the victim, before family members made a police report on July 8 after the victim failed to return.

Harian Metro