Wed, 04 Nov 1998

Man lynched for stealing

JAKARTA (JP): One man was mobbed to death and his accomplice suffered severe injuries after they failed to steal a motorcycle in Kangkang village in Bekasi on Monday.

City police spokesman Lt. Col. Edward Aritonang identified the dead victim as Oman bin Walin, 42, and the injured man as Asep Saefullah, 37.

The two were caught red-handed trying to steal a Suzuki motorcycle from Napi, 19, an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver.

Local residents were alerted by shouts for help from Napi, who the two men reportedly severely wounded with sharp weapons.

"Both Oman and Asep stopped Napi in Kangkang village when the latter was passing along a quiet road," Aritonang said.

They then tried to take Napi's motorcycle, he said.

"When Napi fought back, the two emotional culprits wounded Napi in the head and back," Aritonang said.

They managed to get hold of the motorcycle, but Napi shouted for help before they could turn on the ignition, he added.

Local residents arrived at the scene and attacked the two men.

Both Napi and Asep were admitted to the hospital for further treatment. (emf)