Gowa street fish seller slashed multiple times by former colleague over long-standing grudge

Makassar – Police have arrested a man identified as JL (57) in connection with the murder of a fish seller identified as SL (60) in Pannyangkalang Village, Bajeng District, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi.

“The suspect has been taken into custody and is currently being held at the Bajeng police station for further processing,” said Bajeng Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Wahab on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

Investigations revealed the perpetrator was a fellow itinerant fish seller and acquaintance of the victim. The victim was reportedly followed by the suspect before they met at the crime scene.

Upon meeting, the two engaged in a verbal altercation. Fueled by anger, the suspect drew a parang and attacked the victim, inflicting multiple wounds to his body, neck, right arm, and head.

“Both the victim and suspect were fish sellers. The victim was allegedly followed from Bajeng area before the altercation, after which the suspect slashed him repeatedly until he died on the spot,” he added.

After the brutal killing, the Bajeng Police Criminal Investigation Team arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect along with the parang used in the attack.

According to police, the suspect harboured a longstanding personal grudge against the victim, which led him to attack with the parang multiple times upon their encounter.

“The information confirms a long-standing grudge between the suspect and victim,” he said.

The brutal attack, which took the victim’s life, has shocked local residents. Upon hearing the news, the victim’s family rushed to the scene and became hysterical upon seeing the severely injured corpse.

Bajeng Police Station officers, alongside Gowa Regency’s forensic team, arrived at the scene to conduct a crime scene investigation for further inquiry.

The victim’s severely injured body was subsequently transported by medical personnel to Bayangkara Hospital in Makassar for autopsy.