Policeman beaten by own chief over truck

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

A policeman in Muna regency, Southeast Sulawesi was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday after being assaulted by his superior identified as Comr. AA on Monday.

As of Friday, the victim, identified as Second Brig. Saibah bin La Molo, could barely talk due to a fracture he suffered to his left jaw and a serious head injury.

According to Antara, the incident started when AA, who is also the Muna deputy police chief, asked two policemen to borrow a truck owned by La Molo, the father of Saibah.

Since the said truck was being rented out, the request could not be fulfilled and the two policemen went back to AA empty- handed.

Apparently angered by La Molo's response, AA summoned Saibah to his residence, where AA allegedly assaulted him. Saibah suffered a broken jaw and a serious wound on his forehead.

"Now, I can speak but my jaw has not returned to normal yet," Saibah was quoted by Antara as saying on Friday at the Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Public Hospital.

Saibah's father La Molo, who was with his son at the hospital, said he would take the case to the police leadership if his son died.

"The family is still being patient while waiting for the development of my son's health condition. Hopefully, he will continue to make progress, but if he dies, the assailant should be held responsible," La Molo said.

He revealed that after being beaten up, his son returned home but continued to complain about his jaw, prompting the family to take him to Muna Public Hospital on Tuesday.

Since Saibah's health condition worsened, the family decided to take him to Southeast Sulawesi Public Hospital, where Saibah is now being treated.

"After undergoing treatment, my son's health condition has continued to improve," La Molo said.

Spokesman for the Southeast Sulawesi police department, Comr. Muharam Ryadi confirmed the incident.

"Yes, the policeman was rushed to the hospital after being assaulted by his commander, the Muna police deputy chief," Muharam said.

He assured the public that the case would be dealt with firmly by the Southeast Sulawesi police chief as the assault violated the police code of discipline.