Shaman's wife tried as accomplice

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The Lubuk Pakam District Court began Tuesday the trial of Tumini, a local woman accused of assisting her shaman husband in killing women clients and burying them in the Sei Semayang sugar cane plantation in Deli Serdang.

The shaman, Achmad Suradji, alias Datuk Kelewang, began his trial Monday. He is accused of killing 42 women who came to him for spiritual and other forms of help.

Tumini, 39, is accused of taking part in killing Sri Kumala Dewi and Supiah last April and Mei respectively. She kept watch while Suradji strangled the women to death.

If found guilty, Tumini could be sentenced to death. She is being detained at Lubuk Pakam Penitentiary, 30 kilometers from Medan. (21/09)