27-12-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Three teenagers faced charges at a Magistrate’s Court in Johor Baru for their alleged involvement in kidnapping a seven-year-old boy from Singapore in early December. The accused, Jonathan Yet, 18, and two underage individuals aged 16 and 17, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them in Mandarin before Magistrate R. Salini on Dec 27.
According to the charge sheet, the trio stands accused of kidnapping the seven-year-old boy from his lawful guardian at Jalan Serampang, Johor Baru, at 5:15 pm on Dec 12. The charges fall under Section 363 of the Penal Code for kidnapping, in conjunction with Section 34 for a criminal act committed by several persons with a common intention. If convicted, the offense carries a sentence of up to seven years’ imprisonment or a fine.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Shamira Mohd Luthfi Ismail led the prosecution, while the accused did not have legal representation. During the proceeding, DPP Shamira requested bail at RM8,000 ($2,285) for each accused with one surety. The accused, in mitigation, sought lower bail. The court set bail at RM2,500 for each accused with one surety, and the surety for the two underage accused is to be their parents.
The court scheduled the next mention for Jan 23 and directed the accused to appoint legal counsel. Additionally, the court ordered them to undergo social and moral evaluation by the Social Welfare Department.
Earlier, on Dec 20, Johor Baru South police chief Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat announced the detention of three teenagers on suspicion of abetting an abduction attempt on Dec 12. The incident involved a Chinese national with Singapore permanent resident status who suffered serious injuries while attempting to save his son from kidnapping by a group of men. The main suspect, a 41-year-old believed to be the partner of the victim’s father, was apprehended in front of the Taman Pelangi police station at 8 pm on the same day. Fortunately, the boy did not sustain any injuries.
