KENINGAU: A man was slashed to death following a row between his neighbour and the latter's wife on Jalan Lingkudau near here last night (Sept 19).
The unidentified victim had earlier attempted to help his neighbour's wife lodge a police report at the Keningau police station after the woman feared for her safety following a heated argument with her husband.
The 58-year-old victim died from severe injuries after being attacked with a knife by the husband of the neighbour at about 9.30pm.
Acting Keningau police chief Deputy Superintendent Alizam Dalaman said police have launched a manhunt for the suspect.
He said that the incident occurred shortly after an argument between the 40-year-old suspect and his wife at their home.
Alizam said the suspect's wife, fearing her husband would assault her, fled to a neighbour's house. She later accompanied her neighbour to lodge a report at the police station.
"However, upon arriving at the police station, the victim received a phone call from his 25-year-old son, informing him that the suspect was outside their house," Alizam said.
Alizam said the victim, along with another son, aged 7, returned home in a vehicle. He added that the suspect's wife also returned home with policemen in an attempt to calm down her husband.
"On the way home, the suspect confronted the victim and an argument ensued.
The suspect allegedly slashed the victim in front of his son, who was in the passenger seat of the vehicle, before fleeing," he said.
Alizam added that the suspect's wife, who arrived at the scene with policemen, found the victim critically injured. He said the policemen notified the hospital for assistance, but the victim was pronounced dead.
"The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code. The victim's body has been sent to the hospital for post-mortem," he said.