Chili trader killed in Bekasi

JAKARTA (JP): A chili trader was stabbed to death by three hoodlums near Cibitung market in Bekasi yesterday after the victim refused to give money to the thugs.

The trader, Roy alias Dagul, 18, was attacked in the head, stomach and chest with machetes.

One of the suspects was arrested an hour later hiding in the local market while the other two are still at large, said Bekasi Police Chief Lt. Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo.

The officer quoted eyewitnesses as saying the incident started at around 4:30 p.m. when the hoodlums asked Roy for money. He declined to meet their demand.

Other traders who had already arrived at the market, tried to break up the dispute and asked the hoodlums to leave the area.

Instead of leaving, the suspects followed Roy, who thought the case was over and was heading back to his stand, and attacked him, said Bambang.

At the same market on Monday, another chili trader carrying a bag containing Rp 30 million (US$11,540) in cash was robbed at 1:30 a.m. by three unidentified men.

"We're still tracing the suspects' whereabouts," said Alex.

The trader, Mochtar, was on his way to the market with his wife when the three men threatened the couple with sharp weapons.

Mochtar, who tried to defend himself, suffered minor injuries to his head and stomach. (jun)