Suspect in Makassar Schoolgirl Murder Arrested, Was Victim's Neighbour

Police arrested the suspect in the murder of a 12-year-old schoolgirl, NU, whose nude body was discovered in an abandoned house in Makassar, South Sulawesi. The victim was raped and murdered by her 19-year-old neighbour, IK.

Makassar City Police Chief Kombes Arya Perdana stated that the suspect was arrested near the crime scene (TKP) on Wednesday afternoon. During the investigation at the location, police were startled by a commotion.

“While processing the crime scene, there was a disturbance, and it turned out to be the suspect,” Arya told reporters at the Makassar City Police Headquarters.

Arya explained that the suspect deliberately provoked the commotion to distract police attention. He also hoped authorities would only arrest him for threatening with a weapon, not for murder.

“He chased residents and children with a machete, causing a ruckus. It was him. He was detained for carrying a machete, trying to mislead the police,” he said.

Arya added that the suspect worked as a labourer at Paotere Fish Market (TPI) and was staying with relatives in the area.