Bomoh freed of rape charges against teen

Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025
By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: Ronie (right) with his counsel Azhier after the proceedings. Kota Kinabalu: A self-proclaimed traditional healer (bomoh) was freed from two charges of raping a university student, without his defence being called. Sessions Court Judge Marlina Ibrahim discharged and acquitted Ronie Apolinario, 55, after ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against Ronie. In making the decision, the court stated that the court had thoroughly evaluated all the evidence and submissions before determining that the prosecution had not proven the essential elements of either charge. 'Having read and considered both parties' written submissions in enclosures 43, 46, and 47, and upon maximum evaluation of the evidence, the court finds that the prosecution has failed to prove the ingredients of the offence in the first and second charges. 'Accordingly, a prima facie case has not been made out,' Marlina said. On the first charge, Ronie was accused of raping the 19-year-old girl between 11am and 1pm on June 17, 2021 at a rented room in Lorong Kelapa Bersaudara, Kolombong, Inanam, near here.
Advertisement On the second charge, he allegedly raped the same girl between 1.15pm and 3pm on Sept 3, 2022 at a room of a lodging house in Kg Air, here. He was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term of up to 20 years' jail, and whipping, upon conviction. The prosecution had called four witnesses during the hearing which started in October 2024 and concluded on Dec 9, 2024. Deputy Public Prosecutor DK Afiqah Alya conducted the prosecution while counsel Azhier Farhan Arisin represented Ronie. According to the police report lodged by the alleged victim, she was taken to meet the accused by her mother for a traditional healing session, purportedly to remove a spiritual disturbance or 'saka' inherited from her grandmother. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

New Straits Times

34 minutes ago

• New Straits Times

Police hunt parang-wielding duo in viral robbery attempt in Hulu Selangor

KUALA LUMPUR: Police are tracking down two parang-wielding men involved in an attempted robbery at a shop in Hulu Selangor. The suspects, who were caught on video dressed in black, wearing caps and face masks, were seen attempting to attack a local man at the back of the premises. Acting Hulu Selangor district police chief Deputy Superintendent Mohd Asri Mohd Yunus said the victim lodged a police report on Wednesday at 6.42am. "Investigations revealed that the incident took place at a premises in Ulu Yam Baru. "While the victim was inside the shop, two people entered through the back door and attempted to attack the victim with parang. "It is believed that the suspects are local men," he said in a statement. During the incident, the victim screamed for help, causing the suspects to panic and flee the scene, he said. He said they did not manage to steal any of the victim's belongings. The case is being investigated under section 393 of the Penal Code. The offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years' jail and a fine. Those with information can contact the nearest police station, Hulu Selangor district police headquarters at 03-6064 1132 or investigating officer Inspector Muhammad Saful Abdul rahman at 013-554 7435.

Daily Express

4 hours ago

• Daily Express

Students deny payment claims at anti-corruption rally

Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey, Crystal Hermenegildus Text Size: Noridi (left) and Fadhil KOTA KINABALU: A brief commotion occurred during the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally on Saturday after Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students were accused of being paid to participate. Led by Suara Mahasiswa Sabah's Fadhil Kasim, hundreds marched through the city to demand action on corruption and long-standing water issues affecting their campus. Protesters urged UMS to take legal action against the Sabah Water Department and called for a fully independent MACC with bipartisan parliamentary oversight. The rally remained peaceful despite the rain, with participants moving from Suria Sabah to Lintasan Deasoka. The two-day event included forums and performances, with Fadhil pledging continued student activism for Sabah's future. Separately, the Gerakan Anak Muda dan Mahasiswa Anak Sabah (Gammas) reiterated its support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's leadership. Advertisement Gammas organiser Noridi @ Noraidi Maya praised Hajiji's student aid programmes and his role in blocking an alleged 'cartel' from dominating Sabah's mineral sector. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

The Sun

5 hours ago

• The Sun

Police probe viral school bullying case in Klang toilet

SHAH ALAM: Police have launched an investigation into a bullying incident involving a female student in the toilet of a secondary school in Klang. Klang Utara police chief ACP S Vijaya Rao said the incident came to light after a video of the assault went viral on social media. A police report was lodged at 12.53pm today. 'Police take all forms of bullying seriously, especially when it involves students. Firm action will be taken to ensure public safety and maintain order. The motive behind the altercation is still under investigation,' he said in a statement. Vijaya also urged the public not to spread speculation or unfounded claims that could cause public anxiety. 'Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Inspector Mohamad Izroy Kamarulzaman at 014-818 3519 to assist in the investigation,' he added. The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt. The two-minute video shows a female student surrounded by a group of girls inside a toilet. She is questioned before being slapped and struck on the body.