Motorcycle thief killed by mob

SUKOHARDJO, Central Java: A mob killed a 36-year-old man who was caught stealing a motorbike in Purbayan village, Bakti subdistrict on Saturday evening.

Local police chief Lt. Col. Suherlan identified the deceased as Pairin, a resident of nearby Sukohardjo. Pairin suffered several blows to his head, chest and stomach.

According to Suherlan, villagers were angry as there had been repeated thefts without the culprit being caught and thus when Pairin was discovered trying to steal a motorbike they quickly descended to vent their frustration.

Suherlan said he regretted the villagers' action of taking the law into their own hands.

"People should have handed the thief over to the police. They should abide by the law," he said on Friday. (har)