Beggar, thieves mobbed to death

JAKARTA (JP): Two suspected car thieves and a busker were mobbed to death in two separate incidents on Saturday, police reported on Sunday.

Tangerang Police deputy chief Comr. Ricky Wakanno said angry residents of Perum Seni in Jatiuwung, Tangerang, mobbed two suspected car thieves to death at 11 p.m. on Saturday.

The incident occurred after four thieves tried to rob Zulheri, 30, of his van, but Zulheri screamed for help.

"So, local residents gathered, and mobbed two of the four to death. The third is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries, while the fourth escaped."

Meanwhile, busker Herling Rambing, 26, was mobbed to death by passengers of a public minivan at Pondok Kopi Bus Terminal in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, on Saturday evening.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam said the victim was singing and begging for money in the public minivan at 8 p.m. on Saturday when the incident occurred.

Anton said Herling suddenly got into a fight with one of the passengers in the public minivan, which prompted other passengers to attack the busker.

"He sang and asked for money but suddenly got into a quarrel with a passenger, and they ended up hitting each other. The other passengers got very angry, and joined in beating Herling. Herling later died." (ylt)