More 'ninjas' killed by mobs

SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): Three more people suspected of involvement in the murder of a number of religious teachers have been killed by mobs in Demak and Semarang.

Demak Police chief Lt. Col. R.M.L. Tampubolon said on Saturday that the victims, who died on Friday night, all suffered from mental disorders.

He did not reveal the source of his information.

The death toll for people killed on suspicion of involvement in the murders of religious teachers now stands at 30 for Central Java alone.

Tampubolon said that in all three incidents passersby had tried to intervene to save the victims, but were pushed away.

One person was killed in the village of Jetak in Sayung district, and another person died in Wonowoso village, Karangtengah district, both Demak.

The third victim was killed in Branjang village, Ungaran district, in Semarang. The unidentified man, who was alone, tried to flee when questioned by residents out on a security patrol. When he broke into a run, people shouted "ninja" and hundreds of people gave chase.

"Ninja" refers to the masked men who have murdered scores of religious teachers and people suspected of practicing black magic throughout rural Java. (har)