Six die in killing spree

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)