Penang woman stabbed 10 times in lift robbery

GEORGE TOWN: A young woman was stabbed 10 times in a robbery inside a lift at the Taman Seri Damai flats here, late on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old, who sustained 10 stab wounds to the back, is currently under observation at a hospital here. She is reportedly in stable condition.

The victim had been robbed of her purse, containing RM100 and a cellphone in the 11.10pm incident.

The attacker was later apprehended and identified as a former resident of the flat.

Despite wearing a mask during the theft, it is learnt that the robber was recognised by the woman.

The victim, who had just returned to the flat, had been taking the lift back to her unit when she was attacked.

“When she was inside the lift, the mask-clad suspect (entered and attacked her). She, however, recognised him as her former neighbour.

“She was relieved of her belongings and sustained 10 knife stab wounds to her back.

“The suspect fled the scene soon after,” said northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Soffian Santong.

He said the 26-year-old man, who has a criminal record of drug offences, was detained on Thursday.

“His urine was tested and came back positive for methamphetamine.

“The suspect has been remanded to assist in the investigation until Jan 15,” said Soffian, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 394 of the Penal Code for causing grievous hurt.