Police Investigate Case of Woman Setting Fire to Gold Shop to Steal Jewelry in Makassar

Makassar, CNN Indonesia – Police are investigating the case of a woman identified by the initial S (40) who stole gold from a shop in Makassar, South Sulawesi, using arson as her method. In the case, S brazenly set fire to a gold shop on Jalan Somba Opu, Ujung Pandang Subdistrict, Makassar, South Sulawesi, and managed to briefly make off with gold worth Rp 2 billion. Police examination revealed that S had previously used the same theft method in Jeneponto Regency, South Sulawesi.

“Yes, the perpetrator has committed gold theft twice. The last time was in Jeneponto,” said Makassar Metropolitan Police Chief Sr. Comr. Arya Perdana to CNNIndonesia.com on Friday (2/13).

The incident occurred on Thursday (2/12) at around 1:30 p.m. local time, beginning when the perpetrator came to the gold shop with the pretense of wanting to buy gold jewelry.

“After several pieces of gold jewelry were gathered into one container, the perpetrator claimed she wanted to photograph the gold to send to her husband,” Arya said.

However, when the shop owner tried to prevent her from taking photos, the woman suddenly set the place on fire. Preliminary examination revealed that the perpetrator had prepared a mineral water bottle filled with gasoline, which she brought from her home in Bantaeng.

“Once the gold was collected, the perpetrator immediately set the fire. When flames appeared and people panicked, she grabbed the gold already in the container and tried to flee,” he explained.

However, residents and bystanders nearby acted quickly, and the perpetrator was apprehended at the scene. She was subsequently handed over to the Makassar Metropolitan Police for further legal processing.

According to Arya, the gold the perpetrator had collected was worth nearly Rp 2 billion, with a total weight of approximately one kilogram of jewelry in various sizes, including pieces weighing 98 grams and 100 grams.

“The perpetrator did manage to take the gold, but it was immediately secured. The evidence has been returned to the shop owner,” he said.

Based on preliminary examination, Arya said the perpetrator’s actions were driven by financial problems, and she acted alone.

“She admitted she was desperate because she was crushed by debt. When she came, she only carried a paper bag containing a mineral water bottle and a lighter,” he explained.

Investigators are currently still examining the case, including the possibility of premeditation and determining which charges will be brought against the perpetrator.

“We are still investigating since the incident just occurred,” he said.