Makassar Teen Allegedly Shot by Police Who Dispersed Toy-Gun Brawl

Bertrand Eka Prasetyo, an 18-year-old, died after allegedly being shot by a police officer who was dispersing a brawl involving gel-ball toy weapons in Makassar, South Sulawesi. The phenomenon of fights using toy weapons that fire gel pellets has emerged among youths in Makassar. Makassar City Police Chief Senior Commissioner Arya Perdana said the officer suspected of shooting the victim is under internal investigation. ‘The member who fired at the victim has been subjected to intensive examination,’ he told reporters on Tuesday, 3 March.

The incident began when officers were patrolling after the Subuh prayer to prevent disturbances to public order during Ramadan. There were reports of a brawl on Toddopuli Raya Street, Panakkukang District, Makassar. So officers went to the scene on Sunday, 1 March. ‘At the location there were youths, about dozens, who were behaving in ways that disturbed the public with toy weapons or gel pellets,’ he said.

When police attempted to disperse the toy-weapon brawl, the victim allegedly performed an indecent act toward pedestrians, prompting officers to secure him. ‘The deceased, Bertrand, was engaging in behaviours deemed inappropriate toward one member of the public. Once he alighted from the vehicle, the victim was immediately detained,’ he explained.

Then the officer fired a shot into the air once, causing the brawl participants to disperse. However, as the victim was being secured he allegedly resisted by wriggling. ‘The firearm fired accidentally, striking him in the buttocks,’ he said.

LBH Makassar calls for ethics and criminal process