KOTA BARU: Two soldiers have pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to raping a 10-year-old girl in Bachok, Kelantan.
Mahadi Ismail, 39, and Muhamad Aizat Hakim Mohamad, 20, were accused of raping the child at a house in Taman CT Jaya, Kampung Surau Bator, Jelawat, Bachok, in April 2023.They were charged under Section 376 (2)(e) of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of between 10 and 30 years, as well as caning upon conviction.
Both men pleaded not guilty after the charges were read before Judge Ahmad Bazli Bahruddin yesterday, Bernama reported.Deputy public prosecutor Kamarul Hasyime Rosli appeared for the prosecution while the accused were represented by lawyers Majidah Muhamad and Mohd Firdaus Zainal Abidin.
Kamarul Hasyime asked that bail be set at RM30,000 and RM20,000 for Mahadi Ismai and Muhamad Aizat Hakim respectively due to the seriousness of the offence.
Muhamad Firdaus appealed for a minimum sum for Mahadi, saying his client earns RM4,500 a month and is the sole breadwinner for his family with four children aged between four and 14.
“Since the allegations, he has never attempted to flee.
“He voluntarily surrendered at the Bachok police station in October and has served as a civil servant for 20 years and six months. He is due to retire on June 17 next year,” he said.He also requested a minimum bail for Muhamad Aizat, saying his client supports two younger siblings and earns RM1,900 a month.
“The accused was arrested around May and has not attempted to interfere with the investigation or evade court proceedings. He is a civil servant who completed training earlier this month and is due to report for duty tomorrow.“At only 20 years old, I believe the law classifies him as a young offender, and he should be eligible for bail,” Muhammad Firdaus added.
The court granted bail at RM10,000 with one surety for each accused and ordered them to report periodically to the nearest police station and not to contact the victim or prosecution witnesses.
The case is set for mention and document submission on Feb 2 next year.
