Man held for rape of 2 neighbors

Multa Fidrus The Jakarta Post Tangerang

TANGERANG: Police arrested on Sunday evening a father of five, who allegedly raped two women. The man claimed he received a psychic message to rape eight women within two months if he wanted to be rich.

Cipondoh Police chief Insp. Sudaryo said on Monday the suspect was identified as Leo Martha, 38, who was apprehended at 8 p.m. on Sunday while he was sleeping at his house in Kelapa village, Kunciran subdistrict, Cipondoh, Tangerang.

Sudaryo said the suspect raped Sama, 26, a neighbor's wife, at about midnight on Sept. 21 and three hours later he raped another neighbor Wati, a factory worker, stole her jewelry and then fled.

Leo told police that he raped the victims after he received a message while meditating at Ni Mas Gandaria Cemetery in Cirebon, West Java.

"I should rape eight women within two months if I want to become rich," the suspect said, and that he had targeted six more women to be raped, who are all wives of ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers in Leo's neighborhood.

Leo testified that as soon as he left Tangerang Youth Penitentiary after serving 18 months for swindling early this year, his wife, Nani, left him because she felt ashamed to meet neighbors.

He then tried to make living by selling basic commodities at local markets, but always suffered losses.

"Someone told me that if I wanted to have a successful business in trading, I have to go to a graveyard and make a wish," he said.

He followed the advice and went to the cemetery last week. After three days of meditating at the cemetery, he was "told" his wishes would come true if he raped eight women in two months.

As soon as he returned from the cemetery last Sunday, he raped the two neighbors and targeted six other women.

Besides getting rich, he said by raping eight women he would become invincible against attacks by sharp weapons.