PAPAR: A vegetable seller was seriously injured in both hands when he was slashed with what appeared to be a samurai sword in a robbery.
The incident happened near the Melinsung Summer Bay Apartment residential area entrance here yesterday.
The 27-year-old male victim was reported to have suffered wounds and broken bones on both hands.
District police chief Superintendent Kamaruddin Ambo Sakka said that based on the initial investigation, prior to the incident, the victim and his fiancée had just finished delivering vegetables in Kota Kinabalu.
He said they stopped at a nearby restaurant to have dinner.
"The victim and his fiancée parked their vehicle on the side of the road before walking to the restaurant.
"However, a Perodua Myvi suddenly stopped near the victim and a man wielding a sharp object, believed to be a samurai sword, attacked the victim's fiancée," he said when contacted today.
Kamaruddin said the suspect, who was wearing a baseball cap, allegedly snatched the fiancée's sling bag, leading to a scuffle between the victim and the assailant.
He said the victim had had his hands slashed twice by the suspect.
"He is in stable condition. The couple lost items, including a bag containing important documents and a mobile phone."
Kamaruddin said the suspect fled in the car, which was believed to have been driven by an accomplice.
"After the incident, the victim was taken to Papar Hospital by his fiancée before lodging a report," he said.
Kamaruddin said police were trying to locate the suspect and that an investigation into the incident was underway.
He urged the public to provide any information related to the crime to the police immediately at 088-912222 or to report to the nearest police station.
The case is being investigated under Section 394/397 of the Penal Code for group robbery resulting in serious injuries.
Meanwhile, Kamaruddin advised the public to avoid walking in dark and quiet areas at night.
He said they should park their vehicles in well-lit areas and ensure that the surrounding area is safe.