Tangerang braces for killing spree

Tangerang braces for killing spree

TANGERANG (JP): About 600 noncommissioned law enforcement
officers, along with local residents, have been alerted to
anticipate a possible mysterious killing spree of sorcerers,
locally known as dukun santet.

"The officers are on the alert to help safeguard the city from
any possible killing spree after it was reported to have spread
from East Java to Central and West Java," Lt. Col. Meris Wiryadi,
Tangerang military district commander, was quoted by Antara as
saying on Sunday.

Meris said that the officers' alertness was aimed at improving
public self-defense following the death of a sorcerer in Serang,
West Java, last week after being ambushed by an angry mob.

He explained that the self-defense movement had been
intensified in areas bordering Serang, including Kronjo, Balaraja
and Cisoka districts.

Meris urged local residents to be watchful of any guests
coming to their villages during the night and to directly ask
their identities.

Based on experience in Banyuwangi, one of the areas hardest
hit by the killing spree, he said empowering local people to help
maintain security constituted an effective way of preventing it
from spreading further.

Meanwhile, H. Harry Mulya Zein, spokesman of the Tangerang
regency, said that a number of sorcerers were believed to have
been operating in areas including Cipete, Poris Plawad, Tanah
Tinggi and Neglasari villages. (hhr)