Man from Sinjai Dies After Being Mobbed in Morowali Over Motorcycle Theft Accusation
A man with the initials S (33), a resident of Sinjai Regency, South Sulawesi, has died after falling victim to vigilante violence in Bahodopi Sub-district, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, on Saturday night (25/7). The victim, who had worked at PT IMIP Morowali for only seven months, lost his life after being accused by local residents of stealing a motorcycle.
The victim’s body arrived at his home village of Kompang, Sinjai Tengah Sub-district, on Monday morning (27/7) and was immediately buried by his family. S’s passing has left deep grief, particularly for his wife and extended family, who knew him as a good man with no history of wrongdoing before he left to work away from home.
Tina, the victim’s cousin, said the family has entrusted the legal process entirely to the police. ‘We hope the police there can ensure the legal process runs properly. Taking someone’s life is an act that cannot be tolerated,’ Tina said firmly when contacted by telephone.
The Head of Operations at the Morowali Police, AKP Rustang, confirmed that the tragic incident began in Bahomakmur village. The victim was accused of stealing a motorcycle in front of a shop, which then provoked the anger of hundreds of residents, leading to a brutal mob beating.
When police personnel arrived at the scene, the victim was already unconscious. Although he was rushed to the PT IMIP clinic and referred to Bungku Regional Hospital, S’s life could not be saved due to the injuries he sustained. A video of the beating also went viral on social media and is now part of the investigation.
Morowali Police are currently thoroughly investigating two aspects of the case: the alleged motorcycle theft and the criminal act of mob assault that caused the death. ‘We are investigating everything, from the alleged motorcycle theft to the beating,’ said AKP Rustang.
The police have urged the owner of the stolen motorcycle to file an official report. In addition, the police have asked the victim’s family to cooperate in making a report so that the investigation into the perpetrators of the beating can proceed optimally in accordance with applicable law.