Officers torture cafe owner to death

TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang military police office is questioning two low-ranking military officers, First Sgt. Roy and First Sgt. Ferry, for allegedly torturing to death Noveli Jimmy, owner of Cafe 168 in Jatiuwung district on Monday morning.

The 45-year-old businessman was admitted to nearby Tangerang General Hospital after the incident, but died on Monday afternoon after receiving treatment at the hospital.

Jimmy died of bleeding and a brain concussion due to a hard blow on the back of the head.

Santi, a witness, said Jimmy was sitting with several employees in the cafe at 5 a.m as the two officers emerged from the second floor of the cafe and confronted him.

"Suddenly, one of the officers hit the back of Jimmy's head with a wooden stick," Santi, also one of Jimmy's employees, said.

Jimmy crumpled to the floor, screaming in pain, she added.

"The two officers continued torturing the victim despite his pleas," said the 22-year-old witness, adding that the two officers also kicked him repeatedly.

Another witness, who asked to remain anonymous, suggested that the two officers might have been drunk.

"We could smell alcohol on their breath," he said.

Chief of the Tangerang Military Police Capt. Winaya stated that the military police would soon look into the case. (41/asa)