Mourner mobbed for stealing money at Lopa's residence

JAKARTA (JP): A mourner at the residence of late attorney general Baharuddin Lopa was mobbed by other mourners after he was caught red-handed, stealing condolence money worth Rp 10 million (US$884) on Thursday evening.

A number of mourners apprehended and beat the suspect, Andi Ibrahim, 35, when he apparently got greedy and was about to pocket another Rp 5 million, at about 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Knowing what happened, several mourners became enraged and joined in beating him until he was covered in blood, before police came to his rescue.

East Jakarta Police detective chief for gambling/women-related crimes First. Insp. Suharto who made the arrest, said that he had been on duty at the late attorney general's residence in Pondok Bambu, East Jakarta.

"This man Andi was so crazy. He said he was tempted when he saw a black bag containing the money in one of the rooms in the house. I don't even think he was a mourner. He just arrived there, waiting for an opportunity to steal," Suharto said on Thursday.

According to Suharto, Andi saw the bag, and walked toward it. He took out the first bundle of money (Rp 5 million) and pocketed it. Then he took a second bundle (Rp 5 million) and pocketed it.

Quoting Andi's confession to the police, Suharto said that when Andi took the third bundle, it fell from his hands.

"When the money fell, people realized what had happened. They immediately started to beat him up... I had to drag Andi away from the crowd," Suharto said.

"Andi had traveled to Lopa's home in a sedan. He told us that he was a jobless man with two children. He says that he regrets doing what he did."

The incident tainted the solemn ceremony, as mourners and locals outside the house started to chase the thief and hit him until he bled.(ylt/bby)