TAWAU: The prosecution in the case of 13 teenagers, aged 16 to 19, charged with the murder of Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat Mohd Narul Azwan at Lahad Datu Vocational College has closed its case after 25 witnesses testified.
Deputy public prosecutor Nur Nisla Abd Latif Nor, who led the prosecution, told High Court judge Datuk Duncan Sikodol that the prosecution rested its case following testimony from investigating officer Assistant Superintendent Suddin Tjinke.
"With the conclusion of the 25th prosecution witness's testimony, the prosecution closes its case today," she said at the end of proceedings.
Nur Nisla was assisted by deputy public prosecutors Ng Juhn Tao and Batrisyia Mohd Khusri.
The judge instructed all parties to file written submissions by Dec 30, with the rebuttal submissions from the defence due on Jan 6. The court set Jan 13 to confirm the filing of all relevant documents.
The judge has yet to decide whether to acquit all 13 accused or order them to enter their defence.
Nur Nisla also told the court that the prosecution had offered 25 witnesses to the defence, including a chemist, two doctors, a police photographer and the college warden, should the accused be ordered to defend themselves.
The trial, which began on Nov 19, featured testimony from key witnesses, including the college director and warden, as well as 10 students who were the victim's roommates or dormitory residents.
Other witnesses included pathology experts, chemists, forensic specialists and police officers.
The proceedings lasted 12 days.