Mob slaughter alleged shaman

MAJALENGKA, West Java: Police have arrested 28 residents of Jatimulya village here in connection with the death of Katma, a 75-year-old man who they alleged had supernatural powers.

Majalengka Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Muktiono said on Monday that 26 of the people had been named suspects in the murder.

He said Katma suffered severe stab wounds and was hanged by a wire clothes hanger on Friday night. He was dead when police arrived at his house a few hours later.

"His injuries were so serious that he may have died soon after the attack," Muktiono said, adding that local people had attempted to kill Katma on two previous occasions.

The residents could not control their temper when one of their neighbors died of a strange disease. "The family of the person incited their neighbors to take revenge," Muktiono said.

If sentenced, the suspects could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail for the crime. -- JP