Man from Sinjai Dies After Being Mobbed in Morowali Over Motorcycle Theft Accusation

A 33-year-old man identified as S, a resident of Sinjai Regency, South Sulawesi, died after falling victim to vigilante justice in Bahodopi District, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, on Saturday evening. The victim, who had only been working for seven months at PT IMIP Morowali, was killed after being accused of stealing a motorcycle by local residents. The victim’s body arrived at his hometown in Kompang Village, Central Sinjai District, on Monday morning and was immediately buried by his family. S’s death has left deep sorrow, particularly for his wife and extended family, who knew him as a good person with no prior bad record before he migrated for work. Tina, the victim’s cousin, stated that the family is fully entrusting the legal process to the police. “We hope the police there can ensure the legal process runs properly. Taking someone else’s life is an act that cannot be tolerated,” Tina asserted when contacted by phone. Morowali Police Operations Chief, AKP Rustang, confirmed that the tragic incident began in Bahomakpo Village. He stated that the victim was accused of stealing a motorcycle in front of a shop, which triggered the anger of hundreds of residents and led to the brutal mob attack. By the time police personnel arrived at the scene, the victim was already unconscious. Despite being rushed to the PT IMIP clinic and later referred to Bungku Regional General Hospital, S succumbed to his injuries. A video of the mob attack also went viral on social media and is now part of the investigation. Morowali Police are currently investigating two aspects of the case: the alleged motorcycle theft and the mob attack that resulted in the victim’s death. “We are investigating everything, from the alleged motorcycle theft to the mob attack,” said AKP Rustang. The police have urged the owner of the motorcycle to file an official report and have asked the victim’s family to cooperate in filing a report so that the investigation into the perpetrators of the fatal mob attack can proceed in accordance with the law.