Bandar Seri Begawan – A Week of intense investigations led the Royal Brunei Police Force in detaining a local woman in connection with last Monday’s hit-and-run case, which saw New Zealand national Leanne Jefford succumb to her injuries from the accident.

Thanks to police intelligence and information given by the public, the Berakas Police Investigation team with support from all police units identified a local female as the driver of the car that hit the victim as she was cycling along the Muara-Tutong highway.

The 33-year-old woman, who is currently in police custody for further investigations, was detained at her house in the wee hours of yesterday.

ACP Pengiran Haji Abd Wahab bin Pengiran Haji Omar, Director of the Royal Brunei Police Force’s Investigation and Traffic Control Department, AG DSP Pengiran Anak Haji Mohd Saifullah bin Pg Anak Hj Idris, OCS Berakas and ASP Dayang Gina See
Yok Gan, District Traffic Officer, said the case will be forwarded to the court as soon as possible.

The suspect will be charged under Section 31 of the Road Traffic Act for failing to stop and render assistance in an accident, which carries a fine of $8,000 and a year of imprisonment and another charge under section 33 (2) for failing to report to the police within 24 hours, which carries a fine of $2,000.

She could also face another charge under Section 27(1) of causing death by reckless or dangerous driving, which carries a fine of $20,000 and seven years’ imprisonment.

ACP Pengiran Haji Abd Wahab added that other charges might be included when the investigation is completed.

AG DSP Pengiran Anak Haji Mohd Saifullah said, “From the investigation carried out by the police, we managed to identify the involved vehicle is actually a maroon colour saloon car and not a red Lexus (as was initially thought).”

He added that apart from scientific evidence, the police have also managed to obtain other evidence to verify that the car was involved in the incident.

The police thanked the public for providing invaluable information in connection with the case and advised the public to always render assistance in providing information in future cases, which will help in speeding up the investigation.

In terms of road safety, the Royal Brunei Police Force once again reminded motorists to drive cautiously especially when there are cyclists on the road. They also urged cyclists to wear safety gears like helmet and bright clothing.

This year alone, there have been four cases of accidents involving cyclists and cars resulting in two deaths and two injuries.

Leanne Jefford is survived by her husband, Michael Jefford, a pilot with RBA, and son Connor Jefford. Her body was flown back to New Zealand last Thursday for final rites.   — Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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