Two soldiers plead not guilty to raping 10-year-old girl

Two soldiers have pleaded not guilty in the Kota Bharu Sessions Court today to charges of raping a 10-year-old girl in Bachok, Kelantan in April last year.

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.

They were charged under Section 376 (2) (e) of the Penal Code, punishable under Section 376 (2) of the same code, with imprisonment of between 10 and 30 years, as well as caning.

The duo pleaded not guilty after the charges were read before judge Ahmad Bazli Bahruddin.

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 did not offer bail, citing the seriousness of the offence, requesting, however, to set it at RM30,000 and RM20,000 respectively, should the court wish to do so.

Court sets RM10k bail

Firdaus appealed for a minimum sum for Mahadi, explaining that his client earns RM4,500 a month, and is the sole breadwinner for his family, supporting four children aged between four and 14.

"The (alleged) incident occurred a long time ago, and he has never attempted to flee. He voluntarily surrendered at the Bachok Police Station last October and has served as a civil servant for 20 years and six months. He is due to retire on June 17 next year," the lawyer said.

He also requested a minimum bail for Aizat, considering his client supports two younger siblings, aged 12 and 15, 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," he added.

The court granted bail at RM10,000 with one surety each, ordering 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.

- Bernama

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