A light-hearted hide-and-seek game turned fatal in Keningau, Sabah, when a 14-year-old boy was accidentally shot with a homemade firearm. The incident took place yesterday (7 Dec) morning at a residence along Jalan Kem PPH.
Police said the victim had been playing with a friend of the same age when the tragedy occurred. The friend had been in possession of a locally made shotgun, commonly referred to as a “bakakuk”. It is believed the weapon was shared between the boys in a moment of curiosity before it unexpectedly discharged.
Victim found injured beneath house structure
Investigators reported that the victim had hidden beneath the raised structure of the house during the game. The firearm went off suddenly, striking him while he was concealed beneath the floor. Realising what had happened, the boy holding the weapon panicked and sought help from nearby residents.
Image credit: Getty Images
The injured teenager was rushed to a medical facility but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Medical personnel documented 14 gunshot wounds to several parts of his body, including the chest, arm, knee and torso.
Firearm linked to elderly father of the boys
Further investigations showed that the weapon had been previously hidden by the shooter’s 13-year-old brother. The homemade firearm was later identified as belonging to the boys’ 70-year-old father. Police seized the “bakakuk”, live and spent ammunition, clothing and two mobile phones as evidence.
Image credit: courtesy of Sabah police
The 14-year-old boy, his younger sibling and their father have all been detained for investigation. Police have classified the case under Section 302 of the Penal Code as efforts continue to determine the full circumstances that led to the fatal discharge of the homemade firearm.
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