BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THREE men claimed trial before the Intermediate Court yesterday over the charge the of gang robbery.

The defendants Mohd Azreey Hj Musa, Ak Saiful Nizam Pg Metasan and Pg Zamani Pg Metasan/Daud are facing a joint charge of committing gang robbery when they held up a 35-year old Indian national and stole cash amounting to $44 and a mobile phone belonging to the complainant on July 8.

During the proceedings yesterday, prosecuting officer Shamshuddin Hj Kamaluddin indicated to the court that they have a total of 13 prosecution witnesses who will be giving evidence against the trio.

However, the prosecution said that 11 days after the incident, the main complainant was found dead hanging by a tree and therefore the prosecution’s case will be relying on the complainant’s statements and other relevant facts for the trial.

An inquest into the death will be held as soon as possible, said the prosecuting officer.

The presiding Intermediate Court judge Hj Abdullah Soefri POKSM DSP Hj Abidin has set a trial dates beginning from August 24.

Meanwhile, the defendants’ $10,000 court bail was extended yesterday pending the next mention of the case.

The Brunei Times