Thief killed by mob

JAKARTA (JP): A hoodlum was mobbed to death by residents on Jl. Taruna in East Jakarta for trying to rob a female pedestrian yesterday.

East Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Gories Mere confirmed the death of Ely Heri Halawa, 28, and said that the criminal had tried to rob a woman named Rimawati.

"Ely threatened Rimawati with a machete, demanding her necklace, but Rimawati refused and shouted for help," Gories said.

He said the hoodlum ran when he saw area residents approaching him.

The mob then caught and beat Ely, he said.

Ely died after being treated at Kramat Djati police hospital, he added. (jun)