Police officers escape kidnapping

Police officers escape kidnapping

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Sinjai deputy police chief Sr.
Insp. Sappewali and his adjutant Pvt. Achmad Patudangi were
assaulted and abducted at Balampesoang village on Saturday, but
subsequently managed to escape.

As of Sunday evening, tension was still high in Sinjai, some
250 kilometers north of here, after angry relatives of the
victims and their supporters from the neighboring town of
Bulukumba came face to face with the alleged abductors, who are
members of the Mass Anti-Vice Movement (GMAM).

A joint police and military force has been dispatched to
Sinjai to avoid clashes.

Sappewali and Achmad were attacked during an illegal check by
GMAM members on passing vehicles in Balampesoang village.

Both policemen were admitted to Bhayangkara Police Hospital in
Makassar on account of the severe injuries they received.

"We'll capture the group's leader for this incident and file
charges against him or her," South Sulawesi Police chief Brig.
Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb said on Sunday.

The two officers survived the ordeal, thanks to local
residents who took them by car to the Tanete Military Subdistrict
office in Bulukumba.

"We're very concerned about the incident. The group (GMAM)
should be fighting vice without using violence," Sinjai regent
HM. Roem said on Saturday night.

Roem added that the attack was probably triggered by the
people's resentment of Sappewali who has been alleged to be
backing illegal activities such as gambling and prostitution.

Sappaweli and his adjutant were intercepted at about 4 p.m.
local time on Saturday. The mob searched the officers' car and
were said to have found several bottles of liquor and sharp
weapons.

The two claimed to have been beaten up while being held by the
group.

Roem said the masses would not have turned angry if the police
had kept their promise of eradicating gambling and other illegal
activities.

Brig. Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb, however, dismissed allegations that
Sappewali was involved in illegal businesses.

"I have received the official report and there were no liquor
or sharp weapons found in his car during the check. That was a
bogus claim on the part of the group," Sofjan said, adding that
he had assigned a special team to investigate the case. (27/edt)