One dies in housewives' brawl

BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Two machete-wielding housewives were engaged in a fight that started with a row over a bunch of bananas, and ended when one of them died of four stab wounds, Antara reported Saturday.

Tika, 22, and Nh., 23, were farmers of Air Pikat Dusun III village, Curup district, Rejang Lebong regency. Their argument began Friday when Tika's husband, identified only as Pen, sold a bunch of bananas to Nh., without Tika's knowledge.

Tika was reportedly upset when she saw the bananas in Nh's possession. The latter threw the fruit at Tika and started to pursue her, brandishing a machete.

Tika tried to run away, but was soon overcome. She was stabbed several times, but managed to drive her own knife into her assailant's abdomen.

Both fell to the ground with multiple wounds. Tika died on the spot, while Nh. was rushed to Lubuk Linggau Hospital in a critical condition.

An investigation is underway, according to Curup deputy police chief Maj. Ahsimir Rozani.

Pen. and Nh's husband, Herianto, were both reportedly in shock and could not answer reporters' questions. (swe)