Thief escapes police custody

Thief escapes police custody

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The province's military police have been investigating the alleged role of four policemen in the escape of a detainee suspected of stealing motorcycles.

East Nusa Tenggara deputy police chief Sr. Comr. Arthur Damanik said on Thursday that the four policemen were accused of negligence in guarding the detainee, identified only by his initials, H.M., and of other disciplinary offenses.

"If proved to be involved in his escape, they would face severe action from their superiors," Damanik said.

The suspect thief escaped late last December while under escort by the four policemen, who were taking him to meet his accomplice.

H.M. had been caught red-handed while operating on the border area of Kefamenanu, between East Nusa Tenggara and East Timor. --Antara