DUBAI// A Bangladeshi driver chased a compatriot around a construction site before stabbing him to death in an act of self defence, Dubai Criminal Court was told.
The 38-year-old attacked the victim on November 22 at a site in Al Rashidiya at around 7am. The victim later died of his injuries.
By the time police arrived, the suspect had fled. He was arrested the next morning.
“Witnesses said to officers that the driver stabbed the victim then fled,” said an Emirati policeman. “We rushed the victim to hospital but he passed away the following day, the same day we apprehended his attacker.”
He said the defendant told officers the victim had assaulted him and he was only defending himself.
“They had a work-related argument then engaged in a fight. The defendant picked up a metal bar and the [victim] carried a wooden plank and assaulted the [defendant], after which we managed to break them apart and report the matter to a supervisor,” said a Bangladeshi co-worker.
By the time the supervisor arrived, the defendant had picked up a knife from the kitchen and attacked him.
“We rushed there and saw him stabbing our colleague, but he fled and we had to attend to the bleeding man so we couldn’t catch him,” said the witness.
He denied physical assault and causing his death. The case was adjourned until April 9.
salamir@thenational.ae