Sumba killings spree death toll rises to 23, more victims likely

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): The death toll following a killing spree in a West Sumba town has climbed to 23 people and residents are still gripped with fear.

State-run TVRI reported on Sunday that at least one child was among the fatalities in Waikabubak.

Governor Piet A. Tallo tried to console the relatives of the victims.

"Investigations will be conducted thoroughly," he said.

The figures were the latest since 13 were reported dead on Thursday, the first day killings were reported, and by Friday the toll was 19.

It is not clear when the remainder were killed while police evacuating victims estimated there might be more.

Local police chief Col. Engkesman R. Hillep said on Saturday all the victims were from Waikabubak.

The situation in the town was so tense throughout the weekend many people would not even go out for food.

No suspects have been arrested, the police chief said, and added about 1,000 people were seeking protection at the local police and military headquarters.

Anger following suspicions that recruitment for jobs in the bureaucracy was rigged is said to have triggered the killings.

However they have also been linked to ethnic resentment between the Loli and the Wewewa Timur tribes.

People heard that some candidates who had not even sat the recent recruitment tests were given jobs, a member of West Sumba Regent Rodolf Malo's staff said.

A demonstration was then staged,in which the regent reportedly addressed demonstrators in a rude manner.

The staffer, requesting anonymity, said he did not know where the regent, who had not entered work since Thursday, had gone. (yac/anr)