Motorcycle thief killed by mob

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)