LAHAD DATU: A Filipino plantation worker died after a sickle cut his net in a freak accident here yesterday.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner of Police Shamsudin Mat yesterday said the 33-year-old victim, Joel Lumactod, and his 19-year-old brother were heading to a plantation in Tambisan about 6.30am yesterday.
The victim was riding a motorcycle while his brother, who was riding pillion, was carrying a sickle on his shoulder.
“As they were passing through a volleyball court, the sickle stuck in the net and hit the siblings.
“The victim was hit on his neck, while his brother was hit on his face. They were rushed to the nearest hospital. The victim was pronounced dead while receiving treatment,” he said, adding that his brother received seven stitches on his face.
Shamsudin said the case, classified as accident, would be investigated under Section 304A of the Penal Code.
The distict police also disclosed that 51 illegal immigrants were nabbed during Ops Cantas Khas which was carried out in the district from 2am to 8am yesterday.
Shamsudin said 165 individuals were inspected during the operation and 88 people were detained. After further inspection, 51 of them were nabbed after they failed to show identification documents.
“This operation aims to round up illegal immigrants in this district and to prevent crime activities. It will be carried out from time to time,” he added.