Shaman murders client

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Unable to repay his Rp 100 million debt, shaman Imam Burhanuddin, a resident of Adireja Wetan village in Adipala district, Cilacap regency, killed his client who lent him the money, by burying him alive.

Banyumas City Police chief Sr. Supt. Carel Rissa Kota said Imam was arrested three days ago for murdering Ibnu Darmawan a week ago.

According to Carel, Ibnu had several times demanded Imam pay back the Rp 100 million he had loaned him.

"So Imam took a short cut and decided to bury him alive in a black magic ceremony," he said.

Ibnu is an employee at the Semarang branch of Bank Niaga. He apparently had gone to Imam seeking various kinds of "assistance".

If found guilty, Imam faces a possible life sentence. (45/lup)