Mob beats thug to death

JAKARTA (JP): A man was beaten to death Wednesday by an angry mob while reportedly trying to extort money from a group of people near Kalideres bus terminal, West Jakarta, police said.

The victim, identified as Ucok Marbun, 30, was captured by residents who rushed to the scene on hearing that three public transport van passengers, Alex, 24 and Iwan, 22 -- both Cambodians -- and a local woman, Juleha, 20, were being threatened.

Ucok's accomplice, who remained unidentified, ran away after stabbing Alex in the waist, city police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said.

Alex was taken to the Tangerang General Hospital for his injury.

"Apparently the residents were afraid to attack Ucok's friend because he brandished a knife," Aritonang said. (edt)