KUCHING: A domestic problem was identified as the cause of an incident in which a soldier ran amok and shot himself dead near here today.
Padawan district police chief Superintendent Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said in the 12.45pm incident in Kampung Kolong 1, Sungai Tengah, Jalan Matang, here, the victim had gone to his in-law's house to talk about a domestic problem he was facing.
During a discussion with his wife, the suspect suddenly ran amok and took out a Colt M4 Carbine that he kept in the car.
"The suspect then fired several shots in the living room and kitchen. His 58-year-old mother-in-law was shot in her left shoulder," he said in a statement today.
Abang Zainal Abidin said the suspect then walked to the porch and shot himself in the chin.
He said based on initial investigations, the suspect was from the army base in Tondong, Bau.
"During the incident, he was on duty to monitor Covid-19 standard operating procedures compliance in Bau district.
"The suspect borrowed his friend's car to go to his wife's family house in Kolong 1 and it was understood he and his wife were in the midst of a divorce process."
He added that the case was being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code.
He also reminded the public not to speculate on the case till the investigation was concluded.
