Kota Kinabalu: An Indonesian man, who was charged with the murder of his Indonesian wife at Kepayan vegetable stall near here three years ago, was ordered to enter his defence against the charge.
High Court Judge Datuk Alexander Siew How Wai made the order on Jedu Rudu, 45, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against him and called him to enter his defence against the charge.
The court fixed March 31 for Jedu’s defence.
Grass cutter Jedu allegedly murdered his wife Suria Woade, 38, a coffee shop worker between 1pm and 2.21pm on April 8, 2023, at Kepayan vegetable stall.
The charge under Section 302 of the Penal Code carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 years and 40 years and if not sentenced to death, must be whipped a minimum of 12 lashes on conviction.
The prosecution had called nine witnesses at the prosecution’s stage.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Dacia Jane Romanus prosecuted while the accused was represented by counsel Mohamad Syazwan Shah Mohamad Ali.
Meanwhile, a 35-year-old Filipino construction worker, charged with the murder of his wife in the city centre four years ago, will on March 26 know whether he will have to enter his defence or be acquitted of the charge.
High Court Judge Datuk Celestina Stuel Galid set the date for Nul Sadam Jems when the prosecution closed its case after calling 16 witnesses.
The court fixed March 26 for ruling.
Nul, who holds an IMM13, was accused of committing the crime against one Nasfidah Japarah, 22, between 10pm and 11.47pm on March 22, 2022, in a rented room, on the third floor, Block J, Segama.
The offence under Section 302 of the Penal Code carries a sentence of either a death penalty or imprisonment for not less than 30 years but not exceeding 40 years, and if not sentenced to death, shall be punished with whipping of not less than 12 strokes for male convicts below 50 years of age, on conviction.
DPP Dana Arabi Wazani prosecuted while Nul was represented by counsel Jamadi Saleh.
Both Jedu and Nul were ordered to be further remanded as the charge against them has no provision for bail.
