M'sian police inspector accused of attempted murder says he was 'afflicted by black magic'

A 40-year-old Malaysian police inspector accused of attempting to murder a traffic policeman told a court that he was suffering from “black magic”, and could not remember the incident when asked to respond to the charge against him.

Afflicted by black magic

Muhammad Kamal Raj Shanmugam Abdullah was accused of attempting to murder traffic policeman Constable Roslan Salleh by ramming him with a car along Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, Kuala Lumpur at around 10:47pm on Apr. 10, reported the New Straits Times.

When the charge was read to him in the Sessions Court, Kamal reportedly said: “I am sick, afflicted by black magic… I don’t remember.”

No plea was recorded.

Court orders psychiatric assessment

Sessions Court judge Mazuliana Abdul Rashid later ordered that Kamal be sent to Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta in Perak for a one-month psychiatric evaluation after his lawyer said he had schizophrenia and a long history of mental health treatment, according to Bernama.

Defence lawyer G Nanda Goban said Kamal had been on medical leave and was previously stable while receiving treatment and medication, but allegedly stopped attending follow-up sessions after February.

He added that Kamal’s father had earlier lodged a police report seeking police assistance to bring his son to hospital, but Kamal fled when officers attempted to help.

Nanda also said Kamal’s family had instructed that no bail application be made, and that he should remain in hospital instead of at home.

They said, as cited by New Straits Times: "It is our and the family's position that he be placed in a hospital. It is safer than being at home.”

Bail denied as officer suffered serious injuries

Deputy public prosecutor J Banusha objected to bail, as reported by Bernama, saying the offence was non-bailable and involved a public servant who suffered serious injuries.

Roslan sustained injuries to his hand, ribs and the back of his head after he was hit from behind while controlling traffic.

Under Section 307 of Malaysia’s Penal Code, the attempted murder charge carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine. If injury is caused, the jail term may extend to 20 years.

Faces separate reckless driving charge

Meanwhile, before Magistrate Syazwany Yasmyn Tuan Roslan, Kamal was also charged with one count of recklessly and dangerously driving the same vehicle against a man on Jalan Loke Yew, Kuala Lumpur at 4:10pm on Apr. 13.

That offence falls under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum prison term of five years and a fine upon conviction.

The magistrate adopted the Sessions Court’s order for psychiatric assessment for that charge as well.

Speaking to reporters after proceedings, Nanda said Kamal and his family wished to apologise to the injured policeman and several vehicle owners affected by the incident.

"We pray that the policeman makes a full recovery," he said.

Top image from Guang Ming Daily