Policeman mobbed to death

Policeman mobbed to death

GOWA, South Sulawesi (JP): A police officer was mobbed to
death on Friday when he attempted to arrest a suspected thief in
the Bontonompo district of Gowa regency, some 25 kilometers south
of Makassar.

Second Insp. Don Bosco Sagala, a police detective from the
Takalar Police in Makassar, died from the wounds he received
during the attack.

Witnesses said the father of two was attacked during a wedding
reception in the village of Leko Bodong when he, accompanied by
five other officers, tried to arrest a former convict named
Bazar, who allegedly stole some cattle belonging to residents.

Witnesses said Bazar, helped by three men who were also ex-
convicts, resisted arrest and tried to take Sagala's handgun.

"Sagala then fired three warning shots. At that point, the ex-
convicts and those at the wedding party turned violent. They
cornered Sagala, and he shot a local named Rala," a witness, who
asked for anonymity, said. "Rala is now being treated at Gowa
General Hospital."

Sagala and his five friends tried to escape. Sagala hid in a
resident's house, but the mob broke in and killed him.

"Sagala's body was dragged out and left on the village road,"
the witness said. "All the attackers are still at large."

South Sulawesi Police chief of detectives Sr. Supt. Untung S.
Radjab said it was premeditated murder. (27/sur)