Six die in killing spree

SURABAYA, East Java: At least six residents of Malang regency have died in a killing spree over the last two weeks.

The sixth victim, Munakib, was murdered on Thursday. He was known as a Koran teacher in his village of Pitrang.

Marsudi, the victim' son, said his father was taken by force from his bedroom by unidentified men in ninja dress to the yard. He said his father was tortured and killed there.

An old couple, Sugito and Siamah, were killed in their house in Putukrejo on Sunday night while another couple, Martubi and Mugimah, and their son Buchori were murdered in their house in Hardjokuncaran village on Dec. 10.

Chief of the Malang Police precinct Lt. Col. Harry Prastowo said in Malang on Friday 21 people had been arrested for their alleged involvement in the killing spree and the police were intensively investigating the crimes.

He conceded the killings may have a similar motive to those that occurred in Banyuwangi last year in which several alleged black magic practitioners were murdered.

Maj. Gen. M. Dayat, chief of the East Java Provincial Police, said two platoons from the Mobile Brigade have been deployed to Malang to enforce order and security. (nur/rms)