Drunken hoodlums kill soldier

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Chief Private Thomas was mobbed to death by 10 drunken hoodlums in Abepura near here Wednesday night, a press report said yesterday.

Thomas, a member of the Trikora regional military command overseeing security in Maluku and Irian Jaya was moonlighting as a motorcycle taxi driver when the incident occurred.

Antara reported the brawl took place at about 10 p.m. when a man, identified as Terry, demanded money. Thomas offered Rp 1,000 (42 US cents) and warned Terry never to extort money from him again.

Terry left and returned shortly afterward with 10 people, some armed with knives, and attacked the soldier. The assault ceased only after police rushed to the scene. The attackers escaped.

Critically injured, Thomas died in hospital. He was buried in the Kusuma Trikora Waena heroes cemetery. (pan)