Man slashed to death in quarrel

BOGOR (JP): A man was slashed to death for trying to stop a fight over a land dispute between two of his neighbors in Babakan village, Parung district, here on Thursday night.

The victim, identified as Syamsuddin, 43, was slashed in his neck with a machete by Zaenal, 39, Maj. Sgt. Bambang of the Parung Police subprecinct said.

Bambang said the victim was visiting his brother-in-law, Oman, when Zaenal visited Oman's house to discuss a land dispute.

"It seems that Zaenal and Oman could not reach an agreement and became involved in a quarrel," Bambang said.

He said Zaenal then left the house to get a machete, while Oman armed himself with a wooden stick.

Upon seeing the two angry men, Syamsuddin attempted to stop the fight, he said.

Zaenal, who thought Syamsuddin was going to attack him, slashed the victim, Bambang said, adding that Zaenal fled upon seeing Syamsuddin lying on the ground in a pool of blood.

Syamsuddin, who died instantly, was taken to the Indonesian Red Cross Hospital here for a postmortem examination. (24/jun)