'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)