'Shaman' lands hundreds in hospital

'Shaman' lands hundreds in hospital

BENGKULU: Some 300 elementary school children in the Rejang
Lebong subdistrict have been hospitalized in recent weeks after
having their tonsils taken out by a "fraud" shaman.

Rejang Lebong subprecinct Police Chief Lt. Col. Djauhari
Soeleiman said five suspects have been identified in the case.

"The five suspects are still at large," he said on Saturday as
quoted by Antara.

Police have identified the fake shaman as 50 year old Ed who
was helped by four assistants.

"My child is suffering from a serious throat infection after
being operated on Sept. 12," Suyahman, one the children's fathers
complained.

Suyahman admitted that Ed was very convincing in his claims of
being able to treat the children in a free operation in which
parents would only have to pay Rp 5,000 for herbal medicine the
children would have to consume.

Head of the local Health Office R.A.Muchtar said many children
had to be hospitalized while others had to have to go ongoing
treatment from doctors. (04)