Sorcerer admits to raping 236 women

JAKARTA (JP): A 65-year-old man detained in Maluku, Ambon, has admitted to raping 236 women since he started practicing as a soothsayer in 1984.

The father of four who was arrested on the small island of Lease on Aug. 29, said he raped 91 of his victims -- aged between 16 years old and 40 years old -- more than three times each.

Local police chief Lt. Col. Susno Duadji was quoted by Antara as saying seven women reported a man, identified as A.W.W., had sexually assaulted them.

Susno said the police were alerted to the soothsayer's practice when four of his former clients filed sexual harassment complaints last month.

Widely believed to have the power to heal the sick and bring good luck to people, A.W.W. claimed he hypnotized his victims before attacking them.

Most of his victims initially sought his services and were willing to pay fees between Rp 77,000 (US$27) and Rp 93,000, before realizing they had been cheated and manipulated.

He reportedly told police he raped one of his victims nine times in his house in Negeri Lama village, Baguala, Ambon.

The case comes just three months after the case of 45-year-old sorcerer A.S., alias Kelewang, who was charged with raping and killing 42 women in Lubuk Pakam, North Sumatra.

Antara reported yesterday the North Sumatra prosecutors' office had prepared its dossier on the soothsayer, and would submit it to court soon.

If found guilty, the maximum penalty he faces is death. (aan)