Murderer gets life

Murderer gets life

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A government official was
sentenced to life yesterday for murdering a security guard in
1993 over fears that the victim would expose his colleagues' love
affairs.

In a session attended by hundreds of people, judges in the
Kefamenanu district court in Northern Central Timor regency found
Remison Utu Mamu, 41, guilty of premeditatedly killing Yacob
Alle.

The trial has been packed with visitors curious to hear
witnesses reveal local public works officials' affairs with their
subordinates.

Until presiding judge Tewa Mado announced the verdict
yesterday, rumors were rife that Remison, chief of the office's
repairs section, would be acquitted because the case involved
government officials.

Prosecutors had sought a 15 year term for him.

Another four officials are to be tried by the same court soon
for their alleged involvement in the murder, Antara reported.

The judges said in their verdict that the murder, that
occurred on the night of Dec. 16, 1993, involved several
officials who feared their love affairs would be made public by
the victim.

As a security guard, the verdict said, Remison had caught
officials having sex in their office with their subordinates on
several occasions.

Remison was appointed leader of an "execution team" to finish
off Yacob. The victim's body was dumped in a ravine and found
only three days later.

The public works officials who have been detained and will be
tried soon have been identified as Nico Manjati, the office
chief; Benyain Solokana, administrative affairs chief; Tambunan,
road and highways section chief and P. Djaratano, housing section
chief. (pan)