IPOH: A school gardener was charged in the magistrate's court here today with the murder of a security guard of a primary school in Bandar Seri Botani.
R. Ravinderan, 55 nodded in understanding as the charge was read before Magistrate S. Punitha, with no plea recorded.
According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly murdered Faizal Asri, 43, at SJK(C) Seri Botani, Simpang Pulai between 3pm and 8pm on Oct 13.
The accused is charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment for a term not less than 30 years but not exceeding 40 years, and if not sentenced to death, shall also be liable to a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Vatchira Wong Rui Fern prosecuted, while the accused was represented by lawyer Hanifatinnasikha Mod Dimiyati. Lawyer Syamil Haidhar held a watching brief.
The court then set Jan 10 for the next mention of the case and the submission of chemical and forensic reports.
It was reported that the victim was found unconscious leaning against the wall of the guard post.
The victim was confirmed dead by medical personnel from Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital. Following this, police arrested the gardener and seized a weapon believed to be used in the murder.
It was learnt that the motive for the murder was due to refusal to help out in preparations for the school's programme.