The Judiciary Police (PJ) arrested a man from Hong Kong on Tuesday for raping his female friend earlier that day, PJ spokesman Cheong Siu Keong announced during a special press conference yesterday.
Cheong identified the suspect as a 64-year-old driver surnamed Chong. He added that the victim is a young woman from Hong Kong, noting that she and Chong were ordinary friends who had known each other for about a year.
According to Cheong, Chong invited the victim to travel to Macau with him to gamble on Monday, claiming before departure that he would book two separate hotel guestrooms. However, upon arrival in Macau, the victim discovered that he had only booked a single twin room.
After checking in, the pair gambled separately at the casino. At around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, they returned to the room and went to sleep in separate beds.
Later that night, the victim woke up to find Chong touching her. Despite resisting strongly, she was overpowered and subsequently raped, according to her statement to police.
The victim managed to escape by rushing out of the room to call for help. A guest staying on the same floor assisted her and alerted the police.
Upon realising his crime had been discovered, Chong attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by hotel security staff. He was handed over to the Public Security Police (PSP), who later notified the Judiciary Police to take over the investigation.
Cheong said that initial investigations confirmed the indication of any prior intimate relationship. A medical assessment revealed superficial defensive wounds and minor bruising on the victim’s forearms and knees, confirming she had been subjected to violence.
Cheong also said that the suspect did not wear a condom when raping the victim.
Chong was transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) yesterday, facing a rape charge.
According to Article 157 of the Macau Penal Code, rape is punishable by three to 12 years behind bars.
Judiciary Police (PJ) officers escort the hooded suspect to a PJ van outside the PJ headquarters in Zape yesterday. – Photo: Armindo Neves
