Man burned to death in Bogor

TANGERANG (JP): Angry locals burned to death an alleged long- time crook after he was caught red-handed breaking into a house on Jl. Pabotan in Central Bogor district in the early hours of Wednesday.

Central Bogor Police subprecinct chief Sr. Insp. Uba Subandi said later in the day that the victim, Syafei, 38, was known as long-time criminal and had been repeatedly sent to prison.

"Around 2:15 a.m. he broke into a house belonging to Uci Sanusi, took a television set and put it on the side of the road to get other stuff," said officer Uba.

But Syafei was spotted by Yanti, Sanusi's daughter, who screamed for help.

"Locals heard the noise and they chased Syafei, who run to an empty space near the house. He was badly beaten before being burned to death by the mob," officer Uba said, expressing regret over the incident.

Herwan Sanusi, the local community neighborhood chief, said that Syafei's habit of stealing had been getting on people's nerves.

"He even liked to steal slippers and later he started to break into local's houses. We tried to tell him to stop but apparently it was useless," Herwan said. (21/edt)