KINABATANGAN – An Indonesian estate worker was killed during an argument with a co-worker over water at their shared quarters in Kinabatangan, Sabah.
The victim, Lito Salibat, died of slash wounds following the misunderstanding with the suspect Tata Dehasus, also an Indonesian, at about 5.30pm on March 20.
Kinabatangan OCPD Supt Dzulbaharin Ismail said that according to witnesses, the victim ran out of the workers quarters with blood streaming from his body while the suspect ran away holding a machete believed to have been used in the attack.
No one tried to stop Tata as he was carrying a weapon.
“The victim Lito had told other workers on the way to the hospital that the incident happened after Tata accused him of constantly wasting water,” he said.
Dzulbaharin said Tata was allegedly enraged as he did not have water to use as there was a constant shortage of water supply to the quarters.
He said both the suspect and victim had been living in the same quarters for the past five months.
The victim was pronounced dead at 10pm the same day.
Dzulbaharin said the suspect is still on the run, and that those with information on the case or know the whereabouts of the suspect are urged to contact the police at 089-561-890 or 014-321-7050.
The case is investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. – The Vibes. March 22, 2021